Prince Charles to marry Camilla Parker-Bowles

[J. J.]

Very true. In fact, I like the Tudors, the two Henry's and Elizabeth anyway

Yes, the convenience of Acts of Parliament...

Of course, Acts of Parliament were themselves ignored on several occasions; James I, for instance, should never have become King according to the law.

Why wouldn't James I have had a right to the throne?

[minionofmidas]

Because there was some old act of parliament from the time of Elizabeth's struggle with Mary Stuart that said so.

[Emsworth]

Very true. In fact, I like the Tudors, the two Henry's and Elizabeth anyway

Yes, the convenience of Acts of Parliament...

Of course, Acts of Parliament were themselves ignored on several occasions; James I, for instance, should never have become King according to the law.

Why wouldn't James I have had a right to the throne?

An Act of Parliament passed during the reign of Henry VIII allowed Henry to determine the line of succession in his will. According to the will, the descendants of Margaret Tudor (Queen of Scotland) were excluded. The rightful heir according to the law was therefore Lady Anne Stanley, daughter of the Earl of Derby. James, however, had a stronger claim by inheritance, and an army, so Lady Anne was merely ignored.

[J. J.]

I thought the acts of Henry were repealed?

[Emsworth]

I thought the acts of Henry were repealed?

IIRC, the only major provision repealed before James I's accession was the one declaring Mary illegitimate. (Elizabeth did not bother to legitimize herself ex post facto.) Henry's will, I believe, remained valid.