Why Kate was destined to outshine Pippa: We know first borns are high achievers but now compelling evidence shows where you come in a family shapes your entire life

In a study published last week by Edinburgh University, first-born children were found to display more intelligence than their younger siblings. 


Other studies show they are also likely to be taller and to live longer. Scientists have also discovered that middle children are the most likely to achieve high political office, while the youngest are more likely than their older brothers and sisters to seek stardom on stage or screen. 

Decades of in-depth investigation has produced a wealth of data that reveals exactly how the odds are stacked for every one of us, as JOHN NAISH reveals.