User blog comment:Merganafan23/Character ages/timeline/@comment-5350801-20120806231335/@comment-5364525-20120807022634

Precisely!

Though I agree that in those days women were essentially powerless, in this world of Merlin, women have slightly more contemporary roles. I doubt that gender would affect right-of-succession within this particular universe.

The princesses that we've had have had considerable power of their own. Elena, once free of the sidhe, was able to speak for herself in refusing Arthur. Even though Arthur instigated the marriage refusal, Elena was able to agree, and didn't have to have her father speak for her. Mithian was the same. Her father or brother or whoever held power in Nemeth didn't accompany her. Mithian accepted Arthur's refusal and apologies for herself, not an accompanying knight or male relative.

Queen Annis is also a powerful female character. In traditional monarchies, Carleon's death would have removed Annis as Queen. Her eldest son would have been crowned. If that son wasn't old enough, the queen may be set as regent, with a brother-in-law or trusted advisor as co-regent until the prince came of age. If there was no prince, the king's next-in-line male relative would take the throne. Yet, Annis retains her throne, succeeds her husband as ruler of Carleon and assumes command of the army.

Morgana herself was an influential figure in Camelot before her coup as well. Just the fact that she had armor and was permitted to wield a sword showed that she had significant power even over lesser male nobles. Women and commoners generally were not permitted such a weapon.

Even Gwen seems to hold significant power- she did put the counsel in their place as a mere servant girl through her association with Arthur. And with the clip from the series 5 trailer, of Gwen sitting at the table with what looks like important state papers, I'd say she has significant power as queen.

Long story short, I doubt being a woman would have prevented Morgana from inheriting the throne if she had been recognized as a legitimate heir in this particular Merlin-verse.