Peerages Act 2009

2, 3 & 4 Max. c. 7

An Act to alter the manner of succession to peerages.

[14 April 2009]

Be it enacted by the King’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

1. No person shall be barred from the succession to any peerage of the Realm by reason of having been unlawfully begotten, notwithstanding any wording in any Letters Patent purporting to restrict the said succession to heirs lawfully begotten.

2. In reference to the succession to any peerage of the Realm, the phrase “heirs of the body” shall include adopted as well as natural children.

3. This Act may be cited as the Peerages Act 2009.