What rules about age and sex were used to settle the order in which Henry children reigned?

The order of succession for Henry VIII's children was primarily determined by age and legitimacy, with male heirs typically prioritized over female heirs. Henry's legitimate children—Mary, Elizabeth, and Edward—were considered based on their birth order, with Edward being the eldest son. Following Edward's death, the succession was influenced by the Protestant Reformation, leading to the establishment of the Act of Succession, which allowed for female rulers, thus enabling Elizabeth to ascend to the throne after Mary. This reflected a shift in attitudes towards female sovereignty during that period.