Q&A · 3:16:51-3:18:03

Could Bertie renounce the British succession to take an Austro-Hungarian throne?

A proposed renunciation raises the problem of preserving Britain's immediate succession.

Question

Could Bertie renounce the British succession to take an Austro-Hungarian throne?

Short answer

The proposal is rejected because Britain would want to keep its immediate successors available. Prince Arthur is suggested instead.

Notes

Renunciation would leave a problem if something happened to the nearer heir. The preferred candidate therefore comes from beyond the immediate succession. Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, fits that proposal and already has a son. His daughter's Swedish royal marriage provides another connection, although the entire appointment remains speculative.