King Charles has pushed Prince Harry and Prince Andrew down the priority list as counsellors of state, with his younger siblings preparing for the responsibilities of a monarch.
Princess Anne and Prince Edward as counsellors of state can carry out important constitutional duties if the monarch – King Charles – is unwell or overseas. The role is normally handed to four adult royals next in line of succession and the spouse of a sovereign.
To minimise public embarrassment, King Charles has not stripped Prince Andrew and Prince Harry of their counsel roles.
Princess Anne and Prince Edward will take on their brother’s role when needed.
(Image: Getty)To minimise public embarrassment, King Charles has not stripped Prince Andrew and Prince Harry of their counsel roles.
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The move follows concern from the Viscount Stansgate, in the United Kingdom Parliament’s House of Lords, who challenged their eligibility due to Prince Harry and Prince Andrew being stripped of their royal duties in 2021 and 2020 respectively.
However, it is unlikely they will ever be called upon to carry out royal engagements on King Charles’ behalf.
“To ensure the continued efficiency of public business when I’m unavailable, such as while I’m undertaking official duties overseas, I confirm that I would be most content should Parliament see fit for the number of people who may be called upon to act as Counsellors of State under the terms of Regency Acts 1937 and 1963 to be increased to include my sister and brother, the Princess Royal and the Earl of Wessex and Forfar,” a statement from King Charles revealed, read out in the House of Lords.
King Charles’ decision also removed the need for specific legislation change, as author Dr Craig Prescott informed 9Honey back in October that there is “no ability for individual members of the royal family who are counsellors of state to step down or renounce their role in anyway.”
He previously advised such changes be made quickly to provide greater “flexibility” otherwise King Charles and Prince William cannot travel at the same time. Therefore, causing complications for the rumoured Commonwealth tour, including a hinted visit to Australia.
“The most straightforward solution is simply to add to the pool of counsellors of state, other members of the royal family who may well be further down the line of succession but still conduct public duties,” Craig said.
“Obvious candidates include Princess Anne and Prince Edward, you may even think about the Duke of Gloucester perhaps … Adding a few others would allow Prince William to travel overseas at the same time as the King.
Prince Andrew was stripped of royal duties in 2020.
(Image: Getty)“[The King] may even think about adding others such as, perhaps, the Princess of Wales.”
Which would prove beneficial as it is often necessary for two counsellors to act together in order to greet ambassadors and other obligations.
But Craig admitted it could be better to amend the current rules regarding privy council meetings to allow Prince William to travel solo without the King.
He said it would be a strong model in the future given King Charles’ plan to modernise the monarchy and would benefit today’s royal members as the counsellors of state is “not wholly about the line of succession anymore.”
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