Princess Charlotte makes history with the arrival of her new baby brother

The new Prince was born on the 23rd April

Princess Charlotte
Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 23rd Apr 2018
Last updated 24th Apr 2018

In a Royal first, two-year-old Princess Charlotte has made history by becoming the first Royal female who will retain her position in line to the throne; despite the birth of her baby brother today (23rd April).

This is the first time it has happened since the Succession to the Crown Act in 2013 was brought in which states, "In determining the succession to the Crown, the gender of a person born after 28 October 2011 does not give that person, or that person’s descendants, precedence over any other person (whenever born)."

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with two of their children

It now means that male members of the Royal family do not 'overtake' any older female members who are in line to the throne. Princess Charlotte is currently fourth in line to the throne, however before changes to the Act, it would have meant that the new little boy would have 'overtaken' her.

As this is now not the case, the latest addition to the Royal family is now fifth in line to the throne behind, his older brother and sister, his dad the Duke of Cambridge and his grandfather Prince Charles.

The newborn Prince's uncle, Prince Harry, will now move from fifth in line to sixth, with other members of the Royal family also moving down.

The news of the birth of The Duke and Duchess's third child was announced by Kensington Palace on Monday (23rd April) and revealed that the Royal baby was born at 11.01am weighing 8lbs 7oz.

The Palace went on to say that members of the Royal family had been informed and were, 'delighted with the news'.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge first announced they were expecting their third child back in September 2017. Releasing a statement at the time, Kensington Palace revealed how the Queen and members of both families were delighted with the news.

See which other famous couples have welcomed babies in 2018:

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West

Kim Kardashian and her husband Kanye West welcomed their third child via a surrogate in January. The couple later confirmed they've called her Chicago West.

Princess Charlotte makes history with the arrival of her new baby brother
2 of 35

This exciting baby news comes just a few weeks before the baby's uncle Prince Harry is due to get married to his fiancée Meghan Markle. The happy couple will be get married on Saturday 19th May at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. Last month details of the couple's wedding cake were revealed.

Breaking from a traditional fruit cake it was revealed by Kensington Palace that the couple had chosen a 'Lemon elderflower cake that will incorporate the bright flavours of spring. It will be covered with buttercream and decorated with fresh flowers.'