Shi-L 116

The Faith of the Seven (especially the High Septon and the hierarchy of the time) would never have accepted crowning a queen regnant while a legitimate son of the king was alive. They clung to the Andal tradition of male-preference primogeniture: the throne passes to sons before daughters, even if the daughter is older. Although this custom was not an absolute written law (the king could designate an heir), for the Faith, it carried far more weight than Viserys's personal wishes. Key contextual points: • Viserys publicly named Rhaenyra his heir and compelled many lords to swear fealty to her. This was common knowledge. • However, the Faith and much of the nobility aligned with the "Greens" considered this appointment a violation of ancient Andal custom. The Great Council of 101 AC (which chose Viserys over Rhaenys, the Queen Who Never Was) had already established a strong precedent against female succession to the Iron Throne. • Aegon II was the eldest legitimate son. To the Faith, this made him the "natural" successor according to tradition, regardless of Viserys's wishes. • Dorne is the exception, as it follows Rhoynar customs (gender equality in succession). The rest of the Seven Kingdoms—and especially the Faith—do not. The Faith prioritized Andal tradition and precedent over royal decree. That is why they crowned Aegon without hesitation in the Dragonpit whereas Rhaenyra was crowned by her own faction on Dragonstone.