Royal fiancee abandons Catholicism

LONDON, May 3 (UPI) -- Autumn Kelly, engaged to the son of Princess Anne, says she is changing her faith, allowing her husband-to-be to keep his right to the British throne.

Kelly's decision once again raises the issue of changing the Act of Succession, a 1701 law baring British monarchs from marriage to Roman Catholics, the BBC reports. The law has its roots in the religious strife of the 17th century.

Kelly, a Canadian, and Peter Phillips announced their engagement last year. The wedding will be May 17, the BBC reports.

Phillips and his sister, Zara, have no royal titles or responsibilities, a choice made by their parents, the Princess Royal and her first husband, Mark Phillips. But Phillips is 11th in the line of succession to his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.

A spokesman for Buckingham Palace said only that Kelly "was welcomed into the Church of England some time ago."

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Justice said changing the law would be a "complex undertaking" that would also involve parliaments from some Commonwealth countries.