What is the difference between an heir apparent and an heir presumptive?
The difference between an heir apparent and an heir presumptive is as follows: Heir Apparent – the next in line to the Throne whose right to succeed cannot be defeated by the birth of of someone with a superior right to succeed – the eldest son of the Sovereign is always the heir apparent who becomes Duke of Cornwall by inheritance as well as becoming by inheritance Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, Baron of Renfrew, Lord of the Isles and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland – the heir apparent is normally created Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester – Prince Charles, Prince of Wales is heir apparent to Queen Elizabeth II – should Prince Charles die while Prince of Wales, his elder son William would become heir apparent because no other birth of any sort (male or female) to anyone in the line of succession could displace him from his place in succession (William is the eldest son of the eldest son of the Sovereign); also, William would not inherit the title Prince of Wales, but he coul
