King Charles' Counsellors of State 'under review' says host
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King Charles is adapting to his new role as King and he is currently ironing out some of the finer points of his reign. This week the King signalled his intention to tackle the Counsellors of State issue which has been a source of confusion for some time.
What royal duties can Andrew and Harry carry out?
As Counsellors of State, Prince Harry and Prince Andrew can be called upon to carry out the majority of the Sovereign’s duties should Charles be temporarily ill or abroad.
The Dukes of York and Sussex can sign routine documents, attend Privy Council meetings and receive the credentials of new ambassadors.
They cannot, however, get involved in Commonwealth matters or create new peers.
Harry and Andrew are also not eligible to dissolve Parliament as this power lies solely with the reigning monarch.
The appointment of a new prime minister is also strictly within Charles’ remit, as it was the late Queen’s.
The Counsellors of State protocol is built on the policies of the Regency Act, and Counsellors of State can act on the monarch’s behalf on a short-term basis.
The protocol was introduced during the reign of the Queen’s predecessor and father, King George VI.
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Who are the current Counsellors of State?
During the Queen’s reign, the Counsellors of State included Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince Harry and Prince Andrew.
Following the death of the Queen in September the line of succession shifted, meaning new Counsellors were appointed.
The monarch’s spouse and the first four people over the age of 21 in the line of succession are eligible to be Counsellors of State.
According to the Royal Family’s official website, the current Counsellors of State include Camilla, the Queen Consort, Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Andrew and Princess Beatrice.
Prince Edward and Princess Anne cannot serve as Counsellors of State due to their positions in the line of succession (13th and 16th respectively).
Concerns have been expressed as neither Harry, Andrew nor Beatrice are working members of the Royal Family, and the Duke of Sussex now lives in the US.
But waves are now in motion to recruit the King’s two working royal siblings into the fold.
A law change to enable Princess Anne and Prince Edward to stand in for the King is being fast-tracked through Parliament.
The Counsellors of State Bill was introduced to the House of Lords this week.
The Bill received its first reading just a day after the monarch made the formal request.
Presenting the draft legislation, Lord True said: “I beg to introduce a Bill to add his Royal Highness the Earl of Wessex and Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal to the persons to whom royal functions may be delegated as Counsellors of State.”
If Anne and Edward can act as Counsellors of State, there will be more royals available to take on the responsibilities of the state in case the King is ever occupied.
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