Duchess Kate's 3rd child will make history unless it's a baby girl

Princess Charlotte's spot in the race to the crown won't be compromised by the arrival of the new royal baby.

Tradition used to give male descendants priority when it came to inheriting the throne, but thanks to the Succession to the Crown Act, passed in 2013, the date of birth will determine the next king or queen of England.

The legislation came to be while Kate Middleton was pregnant with her first child, Prince George, and it applies to all members of the Royal Family born after October 28, 2011, as reported by People.

But the order of birth wasn't the only change made; the disqualification of those arising from marrying a Roman Catholic was also lifted. These changes were made to follow the transition into the modern era.

The next in line to succeed Queen Elizabeth is her son, Prince Charles, who is followed by Prince William. His children, George and Charlotte, come in third and fourth place, respectively.

If the rules had stayed the same, and Middleton gave birth to a baby boy, he would take Charlotte's place on account of being male; she would still stay in front of Prince Harry, who is currently fifth in line.

The gender of the baby is yet to be revealed, but those interested in keeping up to date with information regarding the newest member of the Royal Family can follow us on Twitter.

Middleton, who revealed that she was pregnant back in September of 2017, was transported by car from Kensington Palace to St. Mary's Hospital, in Paddington, London, on Monday, April 23, 2018, after going into labor.

Before being admitted to the Lindo Wing, where she gave birth to Prince George and Princess Charlotte, Middleton was on maternity leave, although she still managed to accompany Prince William to Easter service on April 1.

Update: the royal baby is a healthy boy!