Subtle 16-word statement that bars Harry and Andrew from stepping in for King
19.01.2024 - 10:01
/ ok.co.uk
King Charles III discreetly made a change to an act to prevent both Prince Andrew and Prince Harry from acting as substitutes for him when he took to the throne. The 75 year old monarch, who became King following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, added both his sister, Princess Anne, and brother, Prince Edward, to the list of family members who can act for him in the Counsellors of State Act 2022.
The change effectively banned both Andrew, 63, and Harry, 39, from stepping in for the King. Both Andrew and Harry are still Counsellors of State - members of the Royal Family who can carry out duties for the monarch if he is ill or abroad - despite no longer being working royals.
Some argued that Andrew and Harry should be stripped of their roles as Counsellors completely, as neither are working members of the Royal Family, when the bill passed through the Commons and House of Lords. However, a small statement during the second reading of the bill in the Lords in November 2022 confirmed they both will not be called upon to carry out duties for the King.
Lord True, lord privy seal and leader of the Lords, said that the royal household had confirmed that in practice only "working members of the Royal Family will be called on to act as counsellors of state". This means that Andrew and Harry will both remain on the list of Counsellors of State, but will not act as substitutes for the King if needed.
The rule also prevents Andrew's daughter Princess Beatrice from acting in her position as a counsellor of state, as she too is not a working royal.
Typically, the Counsellors of State are the consort of the monarch, along with the next four adults in line to the throne over the age of 21. An heir apparent can act from
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