Change in Laws of Succession To Go Ahead

Queen also announces reform of House of Lords

The big story for Royalists out of today's State Opening of Parliament and the Queen's Speech is that the rules on succession are indeed to be changed, meaning that if William and Kate's first-born child is a daughter, she can accede to the throne rather than being passed over in favor of a younger brother.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Queen Elizabeth II sits on the throne beside Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in the House of Lords prior to delivering the Queen's Speech for the State Opening Of Parliament at the Palace of Westminster at the Palace of Westminster on May 25, 2010 in London, England. Queen Elizabeth II unveiled the new coalition government's legislative programme in a speech delivered to Members of Parliament and Peers in The House of Lords. Laws expected to be introduced in the coming Parliamentary year are thought to include new voting reforms, repeal of identity card legislation and new powers for parents to start their own schools. (Photo by Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh;Queen Elizabeth II — Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images

The Queen's Speech - a partial misnomer, as the 'speech' is actually a programme for government written for the Monarch by the government and usually contains a tedious barrage of statistics - rarely contains any legislative surprises, and this is no different, as the change in law was first raised last year by British PM David Cameron who told reporters 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 in Parliament today that an ancient law that a future monarch cannot marry someone of the Catholic faith would be changed, and said there would be a shake-up of the House of Lords, as well as plans to televise court proceedings for the first time.

The Queen also said: "In the year of the diamond Jubilee, Prince Philip and I will continue to take part in celebrations across the United Kingdom. The Prince of Wales and other members of my family are travelling widely to take part in festivities throughout the Commonwealth."

The change in legislation on gender equality will need to be ratified by all 15 realms that count the Queen as head of state, and has been attempted 11 times before in the British Parliament.