Peter Phillips and the Royal Accession

Much coverage this morning in the Sunday press of the "Hello" wedding of Peter Phillips. No comment in most papers on the strange question of the bride's faith. The following, however, is from The Observer, linked here: Kelly, who renounced her Catholic faith and has been accepted into the Church of England so that her husband can retain his position as 11th in line to the throne, will be plain Mrs Autumn Phillips. The first of the Queen's grandchildren to marry does not have a royal title and does not carry out royal duties. I do not recall if I have blogged previously on the recent activities north of the Scottish border of the groom's mother, Princess Anne, but I have been following these with increasing curiosity for some time. The fact that her son, only eleventh in line to the throne has thought it sensible to have his bride renounce her Roman Catholic faith therefore comes as no surprise to me at all. I reckon the Princess Royal has her eye on the throne of Scotland which would place Peter Phillips (like his Uncle Charles and Grandfather, Prince Philip, all old boys of Gordonstoun) as next in line. Funny business Royalty, its all a matter of planning for Kings and Queens, but I find it somewhat creepy that a split between the two thrones that brought about the Union of England and Scotland can be apparently quite so calmly contemplated and contingency plans laid.