Prince Harry (38) and Prince Andrew (62) prompted a debate in the British Parliament. The younger son and brother of King Charles III. (73) are no longer among the working members of the royal family. Harry gave up all his royal duties in 2020 and moved to the United States with his wife Duchess Meghan (41). Prince Andrew has also stopped performing royal duties since serious allegations of abuse were made against him. Under British law, both Harry and Andrew will remain Counsellors of State even though they are no longer working royals. The pair will continue to hold the roles of “Counselors of State” – but changing that would require changing the law first.
Amid the royal shake-up, the House of Lords had asked for a “sensible amendment” in October. It argued that Harry lives in California and disgraced Andrew has been absent from public duties.
Princess Anne and Prince Edward are set to become the new Counselors of State
A diplomatic solution to this problem has now been found, the Sun newspaper reports. Charles issued a statement to the House of Lords today expressing his desire for Princess Anne , 72, and Prince Edward(58) from now on also belong to the “Counselors of State”.
The “Mirror” had previously reported that King Charles should agree to an amendment to the law. Royal experts had already guessed Princess Anne and Prince Edward as the new “Counselors of State”. So far, the king’s two siblings have not been included, as they are only 13th and 16th in the line of succession. However, as working royalty , they are a fitting choice for the post.
In a statement to UK’s House of Lords, King Charles said:
“To ensure 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 the Regency acts 1937 to 1963 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.”
Accordingly, Andrew and Harry would retain their roles as counselors as well. It had been speculated that King Charles wanted to have the law changed so that “Counsellors of State” are only working members of the royal family.
Change of law because of Prince Harry and Prince Andrew is possible
The “Counsellors of State” can officially represent the king. This role automatically goes to the monarch’s spouse and the next four royals in the line of succession over the age of 21, by law passed in 1937. Queen Camilla (75), Prince William (40), Prince Harry, Prince Andrew and Princess Beatrice are currently acting(34) as “Counselors of State”. The fact that Andrew and Harry still have this role does not suit everyone. The British Parliament was therefore now discussing whether an amendment to the law that regulates this important position would be appropriate. “Otherwise, does the Government agree that the Duke of York or the Duke of Sussex, one of whom has retired and the other has left the country, may continue to reign?” asked the Viscount, for example Stansgate in Parliament.