With the move, the Duke of York, the Duke of Sussex and Princess Beatrice will be relieved of their duties as the sovereign’s official representatives, in the event of an unwillingness. Under the 1937 Regency Act, a monarch’s wife and four adults next to the throne can be deployed as state advisers on official affairs. When Queen Elizabeth was still on the throne, those roles were held by the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, the Duke of Sussex and the Duke of York, with the Duke of Edinburgh also acting as one before his death. The change in the line of succession means the new queen consort is now eligible to be a counselor of state, as is Princess Beatrice as the next adult in line. Buckingham Palace has long been under pressure to oust Prince Harry and Prince Andrew from their roles and install other working family members in their places. It is believed the King recognizes the incongruity of having a trio of non-working Royals who can step into his shoes if he is abroad or incapacitated.
The Earl of Wessex and the Princess Royal could play a role
It is believed he will take steps to change the law as soon as possible, raising the prospect that the Earl of Wessex and Princess Royal could be elevated to the position. Such a move may be part of a broader redefinition of working and non-working royals. Therefore, if not determined solely by the line of succession, as is the case today, the Princess of Wales may also be included. It is rare for state councilors to be called but not unheard of. In May, then-Prince Charles and Prince William attended the State Opening of Parliament on behalf of the late Queen, opening the new session after being deployed to replace her.
