Stay Away: Prince Harry Excluded from Councillors of State Role

Prince Harry faces a significant setback as he is denied the opportunity to serve as a Councillor of State, a role that would have allowed him to stand in for his father, King Charles.

The exclusion extends to Prince Andrew as well, as both princes will not be part of the group that King Charles could rely on in his absence, particularly when he undergoes treatment for an enlarged prostate.

Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the King is scheduled for a corrective procedure related to this condition this week, raising questions among royal enthusiasts about who might step in to fulfill additional responsibilities while he recuperates.

Reports from People indicate that despite the upcoming medical procedure, King Charles is expected to manage his constitutional duties effectively during this period.

However, observations by The Times reveal that Prince Harry and Prince Andrew's eligibility as Councillors of State was quietly revoked following King Charles' ascension to the throne.

The matter came to light during the second reading of the Councillors of State Bill 2022-23 in the House of Lords on November 21st, 2022.

Lord True disclosed that the royal household had clarified that only active members of the royal family would be considered for such roles in practice.

The passing of the Bill in December 2022 attracted attention for appointing Princess Anne and Prince Edward as lifelong Councillors of State for King Charles, a provision that went unnoticed until now.

While Prince Harry and Prince Andrew technically hold the title of Councillors of State, their withdrawal from official royal duties renders them ineligible for the responsibilities associated with the position.

Lord True emphasized that the Bill serves as a practical measure to ensure the continuity of government operations, confirming that operational members of the royal family would be called upon to act as Councillors of State, with schedules arranged to accommodate this requirement.

The latest development marks another blow for Prince Harry and Prince Andrew, who have encountered various controversies in recent years.

Notably, the ruling also impacts Princess Beatrice, Andrew's eldest daughter, who is also excluded from serving as a substitute for the King in times of need.

In the event of temporary incapacity or absence from the UK, the British Sovereign can enlist the assistance of Councillors of State to oversee royal affairs on their behalf.

Traditionally, this role is designated for the Sovereign's spouse and the first four individuals in the line of succession over the age of 21.

Previously, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Andrew, and Princess Beatrice held the positions of Councillors of State before the inclusion of Princess Anne and Prince Edward last year.

The expedited passage of the Bill through Parliament aimed to address potential constitutional challenges arising from the transition to King Charles' reign, coinciding with the withdrawal of Prince Harry and Prince Andrew from active royal duties.

As outlined on the Royal Family's website, the collective action of two or more Councillors of State is required to carry out tasks such as attending Privy Council meetings, endorsing documents, and receiving credentials from new foreign envoys to the UK.

However, it is important to note that the Councillors of State do not possess authority over certain matters such as Commonwealth affairs, dissolution of Parliament, peerage appointments, or the selection of a Prime Minister.