The Queen rules: Girls can now take the throne

The Queen has confirmed that new legislation will allow the crown to pass to Prince William and Kate Middleton's first-born child, regardless of the child's gender.

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At the State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday, the Queen said the government is introducing a bill to end an antiquated rule which states that the eldest son automatically becomes the next in line for the throne.

Her Majesty The Queen and Prince Phillip attend The State Opening Of Parliament on Wednesday 9th May. Source: Getty

The change of in the law of male preference primogeniture, which has been in place since 1688, was raised last year by British Prime Minister David Cameron.

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He explained at the time: "Put simply, if the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were to have a little girl, that girl would one day be our Queen."

The Queen also announced that the new legislation will end the ban on royal heirs marrying Roman Catholics.

She told the houses of Parliament: "My Government will continue to work with the 15 other Commonwealth Realms to take forward reform of the rules governing succession to the Crown."

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