New succession laws for Prince William's kids?

If Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton's firstborn is a daughter, she may become queen.

The British government are currently considering new law changes to reform the country's current system where the eldest son is considered the rightful heir. Ministers feel the ancient rule of primogeniture, which places male children ahead of females, irrespective of age, may be "discriminatory".

Labour MP Keith Vaz introduced a Bill to the House of Commons yesterday (18.01.10) proposing the change. It will be debated in May.

However the coalition government has warned legislation will need to be agreed by all 15 countries where Queen Elizabeth is still head of state.

Mark Harper, the constitutional affairs minister said this "was not a straightforward process" and could take years.

He added to the Daily Telegraph: "Ministers have already accepted that the provisions of the Act of Settlement might be discriminatory. Discussions are underway."

William, 28 and his 29-year-old bride-to-be have previously revealed they both want to have children and will begin planning a family after their wedding on April 29.

William said: "I think we'll take it one step at a time. We'll sort of get over the marriage first and then maybe look at the kids. But obviously we want a family so we'll have to start thinking about that."

Kate - who comes from a tight-knit family - added: "I hope we will be able to have a happy family ourselves."