The Princess of Wales may be destined for a new royal role if King Charles expands the list of eligible royals who can act on his behalf as Counsellors of State as it’s being alleged.
A debate broke out in the House of Lords on 24 October, in which the Regency Act 1937 was questioned by a peer.
Lord Stansgate questioned the Lord Privy Seal over the roles of Counsellors of State, noting that the Duke of Sussex and the Duke of York are still empowered to act if required despite neither carrying out official duties anymore—and in Prince Harry’s case, no longer being domiciled in the United Kingdom.
According to the existing law, the Counsellors of State are limited to the Sovereign’s spouse and the next four adults in the line of succession, which is currently Queen Camilla, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of York, and Princess Beatrice. Of this list, only Queen Camilla and Prince William carry out official duties.
There have been mounting calls to update the Regency Act and remove Prince Harry and Prince Andrew, though according to royal sources, King Charles may instead increase the list of royals who can act as Counsellors of State, with the understanding that they would be called to the duty before Harry or Andrew. The two Dukes would be left in their positions, allegedly, so as not to cause hurt feelings.
If this is the case, King Charles is said to be expanding the list to include The Princess Royal, the Earl of Wessex, and the Princess of Wales.
It would be an especially important role for Catherine, as she and Queen Camilla would be the only two people on this list who are not blood royals. In due time, she would have been named a Counsellor of State when William ascends the throne.
The Lord Privy Seal declined to comment in the House of Lords on Monday, noting that any discussions he may have had with the Royal Household about this are private and that any changes and amendments would need to be made in consultation with the royals.
