Last month, King Charles served a request to add his 72-year-old sister Anne and his 58-year-old brother Edward to the list of so-called Councilors of State.
They are authorized by law to perform official duties on behalf of King Charles if, for example, he is ill or abroad on a journey. That role is usually filled by the spouse of the reigning monarch and the next four adults in the line of succession.
Since Queen Elizabeth’s death, these have been Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Andrew and his daughter Princess Beatrice. Since Harry and Andrew are no longer full members of the British royal family, it seems necessary to have other “invaders” ready. Princes Andrew and Harry will remain on the list of potential replacements, but will not be required in practice.
Incidentally, a State Counsellor is rarely needed. This was the case last May, when Queen Elizabeth was unable to open the British parliament due to health problems. In her place were then Prince Charles and Prince William.
