Sophia of Hanover was born on September 14, 1630, in Germany. She was the daughter of Elector Frederick V of the Palatinate and Elizabeth Stuart, the daughter of King James I of England. Sophia became the heiress presumptive to the English throne through her descent from James I. In 1701, the Act of Settlement was passed, which established that Sophia and her descendants would inherit the English crown. This was significant because it aimed to ensure a Protestant succession. Sophia never became queen, as she died in 1714, shortly before Queen Anne passed away, leading to her son, George I, ascending the throne.