It was intended that Victoria would succeed her mother Kīnaʻu in the position of "Kuhina Nui" (premier), but her mother died while she was still an infant. Her aunt Kekāuluohi became a place-holder for her niece using the name Kaʻahumanu III, but she died when Victoria was seven. Subsequently her uncle Kamehameha III appointed John Kalaipaihala Young II, also known as Keoni Ana, the son of John Young, as "Kuhina Nui". Princess Victoria Kamāmalu was appointed as Heiress Presumptive to the title of "Kuhina Nui" in 1850, to be the successor to Keoni Ana. Since 1845, by legislative act, the office of "Kuhina Nui" had been joined with that of the Minister of the Interior. Given her young age, it was clear to the King, Privy Council, and Legislative Council that Victoria was not suited to be Minister of the Interior. Therefore, on January 6, 1855, an act was passed to repeal the earlier legislation.