The primary result in Kongo was that the absence of an immediate heir spun the country into civil war.

In the absence of an immediate heir, the next closest male relative was entitled to the crown.

In the absence of a male heir the barony became extinct.

However this would definitely occur in the absence of an heir apparent.

They could also become village chiefs in the absence of a male heir.

But in the absence of a legitimate heir to the chiefship, the older boy would become eligible.

The absence of a male heir increased the conflicts between the young couple.

The absence of a male heir threatened the survival of the family.

This was a device to continue the Bowes lineage in the absence of a male heir.

Some Republican officials expressed concern today that the absence of an heir apparent could prove disruptive.