If a king dies while his wife is pregnant, the unborn child immediately becomes the heir to the throne.
The Unborn Child's Status
The key principle at play is that the unborn child is considered the next in line of succession. This stems from the concept that succession rights are determined at the moment of the king's death.
Regency
Since the child is an infant (or unborn), a regent is appointed to rule the kingdom until the child reaches the age of majority (typically 18). The regent is often a close relative of the deceased king, such as his brother or another trusted member of the royal family. The regent governs in the name of the future monarch, ensuring the stability and continuity of the realm.
Potential Scenarios and Considerations
- If the child is born a male: He will become king upon birth, with the regent continuing to govern until the child reaches adulthood.
- If the child is born a female (in a system of male-preference primogeniture): If there are no other male heirs with a higher claim, she becomes queen, again with a regent in place. In a system of absolute primogeniture (where gender doesn't matter), the unborn child, regardless of sex, inherits the throne.
- If the child is stillborn or dies shortly after birth: The line of succession then moves to the next eligible heir, as if the child had never existed. The regency would end, and the new heir would ascend the throne or, if a minor, be placed under a new regency.
- Possible challenges to the succession: While the principle is clear, political maneuvering and challenges to the unborn child's legitimacy are possible, potentially leading to instability and conflict. These challenges, however, rarely succeed if the established rules of succession are clear and widely accepted.
In summary, the unborn child is considered the rightful heir from the moment of the king's death. A regent governs the kingdom until the child is old enough to rule independently.
