New rules of royal succession come into force

Britain's Queen Elizabeth has said she would devote her entire life to service - but a British bookie has suspended bets on her abdication after a "rush of bets". Photo / AP

Royal daughters will have the same claim to the throne as sons under new rules of succession, which came into force today.

The new legislation applies in New Zealand and the 16 realms that share the Queen as head of state.

The new gender neutral rules of succession apply to any baby born after October 28, 2011.

Justice Minister Amy Adams said the three main changes under the law were that order of succession would no longer be based on gender, a person married to a Roman Catholic could accede to the throne, and only the first six in line to the throne must seek the Sovereign's permission to marry.

Previously all members of the royal family were required to seek permission.

"These changes help improve the rules of succession and reflect modern values such as gender equality, which is positive for New Zealand's system of government," Ms Adams said.

The changes were agreed in 2011, and the law passed in 2013.