Downton writer Julian Fellowes condemns block on women hereditary peers.

(Ian West/PA Wire)

Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes has hit out at "absurd and outdated" rules blocking women from succeeding to hereditary peerages.

Lord Fellowes of West Stafford said such a "negative status" for women had no place in modern society.

The Tory peer backed calls in the House of Lords to give women an equal right to inherit hereditary titles by citing the case of his wife, Emma.

Lord Fellowes said: "My wife was born female. The fact remains that had she been born male she would now be the fourth Earl Kitchener of Khartoum.

"As it is our law preferred to let this title, probably the most historic of any of the imperial creations, become extinct, rather than have it be held by a woman.

"As the niece of the last earl the reason she does not have that rank is only and entirely due to her sex.

"Of course she is expected to take on the duties of the name .... but the name she may not have because she is female."


Press Association.
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