Princes Harry and Andrew to retain their titles despite Prince Edward and Princess Anne’s royal promotion
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King Charles has made a decision that's left many people surprised.
Despite persistent rumours to the contrary, the King has decided not to strip his brother Prince Andrew and son Prince Harry from their major royal roles as Counsellors of State.
Instead, Prince Edward and Princess Anne have been added to the post, expanding the options for his stand-in.
In a letter to the House of Lords, the King wrote: ‘To ensure continued efficiency of public business when I’m unavailable… 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… to be increased to include my sister and brother, the Princess Royal, and the Earl of Wessex and Forfar. Both of whom have previously undertaken this role.’
Princes Andrew and Harry aside, Queen Consort Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Beatrice are also Counsellors of State.
These officials are responsible for acting on behalf of the ruling monarch — in this case, King Charles — temporarily whenever the King or Queen is indisposed or abroad.
Under UK law, Counsellors of State appointees are the spouse of the ruling monarch and the next four people in the line of succession (over 21 years old).
Earlier this year there was talk of Princes Andrew and Harry being stripped of their roles considering their unique circumstances.
Prince Andrew gave up royal duties after being mired in a sex abuse scandal involving the notorious Jeffrey Epstein.
Prince Harry also stepped back from his responsibilities and relocated to the United States, where he currently lives with his family.
It is understood that since these princes are not ‘working royals’, there were concerns within the UK Parliament on whether or not they were fit to act as the King’s official representatives.
Such concerns led to calls to amend the Regency Act, which is the law mandating appointments of Counsellors of State.
Stephen Benn, current Viscount Stansgate, earlier urged the House of Lords to act on changes to the law.
‘Are the Government happy to continue with a situation where the Counsels of State and regency powers may be exercised by the (Prince Andrew) or (Prince Harry), one of whom has left public life and the other of whom has left the country?’ he asked.
‘Is it not time for the Government to approach the King to see whether a sensible amendment can be made to this Act?’
With the recent addition of Prince Edward and Princess Anne, more people are expected to fill in for the King when he and the Queen Consort go abroad for their coronation tour in 2023.
What is your reaction to this story? Do you think that despite two new additions to the pool of counsellors, Princes Andrew and Harry should officially be removed?
Tell us your thoughts and opinions below!
Source: YouTube/@5NewsUK
Despite persistent rumours to the contrary, the King has decided not to strip his brother Prince Andrew and son Prince Harry from their major royal roles as Counsellors of State.
Instead, Prince Edward and Princess Anne have been added to the post, expanding the options for his stand-in.
In a letter to the House of Lords, the King wrote: ‘To ensure continued efficiency of public business when I’m unavailable… 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… to be increased to include my sister and brother, the Princess Royal, and the Earl of Wessex and Forfar. Both of whom have previously undertaken this role.’
Princes Andrew and Harry aside, Queen Consort Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Beatrice are also Counsellors of State.
Prince Andrew (front left) and Prince Harry (back) will stay on as the King’s Counsellors of State. Credit: The Royal Family Channel
These officials are responsible for acting on behalf of the ruling monarch — in this case, King Charles — temporarily whenever the King or Queen is indisposed or abroad.
Under UK law, Counsellors of State appointees are the spouse of the ruling monarch and the next four people in the line of succession (over 21 years old).
Earlier this year there was talk of Princes Andrew and Harry being stripped of their roles considering their unique circumstances.
Prince Andrew gave up royal duties after being mired in a sex abuse scandal involving the notorious Jeffrey Epstein.
Prince Harry also stepped back from his responsibilities and relocated to the United States, where he currently lives with his family.
It is understood that since these princes are not ‘working royals’, there were concerns within the UK Parliament on whether or not they were fit to act as the King’s official representatives.
Princess Anne (left) and Prince Edward (right) have previously served as Counsellors of State. Credit: YouTube/@5NewsUK
Such concerns led to calls to amend the Regency Act, which is the law mandating appointments of Counsellors of State.
Stephen Benn, current Viscount Stansgate, earlier urged the House of Lords to act on changes to the law.
‘Are the Government happy to continue with a situation where the Counsels of State and regency powers may be exercised by the (Prince Andrew) or (Prince Harry), one of whom has left public life and the other of whom has left the country?’ he asked.
‘Is it not time for the Government to approach the King to see whether a sensible amendment can be made to this Act?’
What is your reaction to this story? Do you think that despite two new additions to the pool of counsellors, Princes Andrew and Harry should officially be removed?
Tell us your thoughts and opinions below!
Source: YouTube/@5NewsUK
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