Line of succession
Explain that this is called the line of succession to the throne. It has four points that may need explaining to students.
It is best to form a physical queue of students to help demonstrate point [2]
[1] The eldest son inherits
The eldest son gets the throne, and passes it to his eldest son.
[2] It is not in order of how old you are
Prince William is younger than many people behind him in the line to the throne. He is ahead of them because his dad, Prince Charles, was ahead of them.
OR
Imagine the line as a queue. If someone in the queue has a child the child is not sent to the back of the line. Instead they stand directly behind their dad or older brothers.
[3] Gender is important
The role of monarch is passed to sons. You only pass it to your daughter if you don't have a son. Princess Anne is the Queen's second oldest child but she is only number eight in line to the throne.
[4] Religion is important
There are three people who would have been in the top 30 who are excluded. They have either become a Roman Catholic or married Roman Catholics. The monarch is head of the Church of England and so must be a member of that church (see background).
2) Main activity
How are the top Royals related.
The abstract concept of a family tree is best explained by physically representing it. Use students as the Royals.
This will mean moving desks aside, or going into the hall. You will need a ball of string or sticky tape/toilet roll.
[A] What is a family tree?
Demonstrate the concept by drawing your own family tree on a board. Start with your grandmother at the top and work down the board. Add fictitious and amusing characters to produce a memorable tree.
[B] Assign the Royal identities
Break the class into groups of 15. Print the list
Queen Mother's life in video
Worksheet: Royal Family tree
