The bill to create new Counsellors of State is moving forward following a request by King Charles to make The Princess Royal, and the Earl of Wessex two of his new Counsellors.
The Monarch’s goal was announced by Lord Chamberlain, Lord Parker, on His Majesty’s birthday. In a signed message read out to the House of Lords, the message read: It said the King 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 1953 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.”
Under the Regency Act of 1937, Counsellors are authorised to carry out official duties of the monarch. Those who are entitled to the role are the spouse of the sovereign and the next four people in the line of succession over the age of 21. Currently, the Counsellors are the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of York and Princess Beatrice. However, Princes Harry and Andrew are no longer working members of the royal family.
The new appointments are believed to be a sign the King will rely on the support of his sister, his brother, and his sister-in-law, Sophie, Countess of Wessex as he aims for a scaled-down monarchy. All are expected to carry out tours and engagements on behalf of the British Government in the new year.
