The reason behind Prince
Andrew’s new duties is because Counsellors of State are the first five people
in the line of succession over the age of 21 and with a UK address.
With this in mind, the current Counsellors of State are Queen Consort Camilla, Prince
William, Prince Harry and Princess Beatrice.
Counsellors of State are essentially supplied teachers for the monarch, generally only needed if the King
is unable to perform duties, and even in this instance, only the first two are
needed for constitutional duties – meaning the Queen Consort and Prince William.
It is thought that King Charles
III will remove Prince Andrew, and potentially Prince Harry, as he doesn’t live
in the UK, and replace them with his siblings Princess Anne and Prince
Edward.
Replacing Counsellors of State
is not simple, though. Parliament has to approve the move.
Social media users were in
disbelief that the Duke of York was appointed a Counsellor of State, though
they were likely unaware of the centuries-old reasoning behind his appointment.
Princess Beatrice’s new role
means she will be expected to sign routine documents and receive the
credentials of new ambassadors to the UK. She will not, however, be expected to
carry out Commonwealth matters, dissolve Parliament or appoint prime ministers
unless she’s instructed to do so by King Charles.
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King Charles might make changes to his Counsellors of State
Prior to Queen Elizabeth
II’s death, King Charles III, Prince William, Prince Harry and Prince Andrew
were the four counsellors of state and stepped in for the late monarch when she
was unable due to illness or being abroad.
