heirs apparent
Next in line
Heirs apparent is the plural of heir apparent—those whose right to inherit a position or title cannot be displaced by the birth of another.
Unlike heirs presumptive, whose claims can be superseded, heirs apparent hold secure succession rights: The king's sons were heirs apparent to the throne.
The term extends to any designated successors: The CEO's heirs apparent jockeyed for position.
- princesMale royal family members
- beneficiaryDesignated asset receiver
- silver spoonSymbol of inherited wealth
- crownsRegal head ornaments
- House of WindsorBritish ruling dynasty since 1917
succession · estate · estate planning · monarchs · royal lineage · primogeniture · blood right · throne · executor · kings · royalty · entail · legacy · peerage · designate · presumptive · aristocracy · dauphin