Gordon Brown wants to end the centuries-old law that gives men priority over their older sisters in the Royal line of succession. The ban on members of the Royal Family marrying Roman Catholics - unless they give up their claim to the throne - would also be swept away.
The Prime Minister believes the 1701 Act of Settlement is an 'anomaly that has no place in the 21st century', Downing Street sources said last night.
'The Prime Minister wants to see this change, because he feels this is a historical anomaly which needs to be addressed, but he recognises the complexity.'
Buckingham Palace said: 'This is a matter for government and we would not comment any further about it.' In the past, senior Palace sources have suggested that there would be a cautiously optimistic reception for change.
But a senior aide warned that any change in the Act of Succession would involve obtaining the assent of each of the 15 realms of which the Queen is Head of State.