Hereditary monarchy

A hereditary monarchy is a form of Monarchy in which the Monarch is appointed autocratically according to their ancestry. In hereditary monarchies, the first-born child (usually the first-born son) of the reigning Monarch becomes their successor by law, regardless of the Monarch's personal preference. If the Monarch has no children to succeed them, then the Crown will pass onto their closest blood relation, or possibly their consort in some instances. In the event that there is no potential successor for the Monarch, it is common for them to appoint a successor or for a foreign power to claim the throne.