The Regency Act of 1937 lays out who stands in for a Monarch in a range of situations where they can’t exercise their functions. It came into force in the first year of the reign of King George VI, when his heir was a ten year old princess called Elizabeth. Now the longest ruling Monarch in British history, the rules set up by her father still hold sway and here, Royal Central outlines what that means for the current House of Windsor.
When can a regent be appointed?
There are several circumstances in which the Act permits the implementation of a Regency. Listed first in this Act is the accession of an underage Monarch. If the throne passes to someone aged under eighteen, then a regent is appointed to rule for them until they reach the age of eighteen.
The second circumstance is the incapacity of the Monarch. If it is decided that they cannot carry out their functions, a regent is appointed until they are deemed capable of taking on their responsibilities again.
Who can be regent?
In its most simple interpretation, the Regency Act says that the next adult in the line of succession is regent providing they a British subject and resident in the United Kingdom. So in the case of the Queen needing a regent, The Prince of Wales would step in. If Charles needed a regent during his reign, as things stand, that would be The Duke of Cambridge. If either William or his children needed a regent, the role would pass to The Duke of Sussex.
Adult has two interpretations in this Act. Ordinarily, a regent must be aged 21 or over. However, the heir to the throne can act as regent from the age of 18 onwards.
Who can’t be regent?
The spouse or parent of a Monarch doesn’t necessarily have a role in their regency. The role must pass to someone in the line of succession. If a regent is deemed incapable or dies in office, the next adult in the succession who meets the criteria set out, takes their place. However, the guardianship of a Monarch under the age of 18 rests with their surviving parent while the guardianship of a ruler declared incapable rests with their spouse, if they have one.
What changes have been made to the Act?
In 1953, following the succession of The Queen, a change was made that allowed The Duke of Edinburgh to rule as regent should one of their children ascend the throne as a minor. Those changes ceased to have an effect once their children had reached adult age.
What else does the Act provide for?
The role of Counsellors of State was part of the 1937 Act. This is the mechanism which allows two of five people to exercise power if the Monarch is temporarily out of action. Currently, the Monarch’s spouse and the first four adults in the line of succession can carry out the role meaning The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge, The Duke of Sussex and The Duke of York can all be called on to exercise the function.
There was an alteration to this part of the Act, too, following the death of King George VI with provision being made for Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother to continue to be able to exercise the function of Counsellor of State.
