Prince Harry and Prince Andrew already lost their royal patronages and military affiliations. However, the palace is also planning to remove them as Counsellors of State, according to Richard Eden.
Prince Harry And Prince Andrew To Face Final Humiliation Amid Scandals?
Both Prince Harry and Prince Andrew are no longer working royals after they stepped down from their duties for different reasons. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex decided to leave the UK. Meanwhile, the Duke of York was forced to step down after his interview on BBC's Nightline where he talked about his association with Jeffrey Epstein backfired.
Even if they were stripped of their royal patronages and military affiliations, both still hold a key role in the monarchy. They remain Counsellors of State. However, according to Eden they might lose the said role too.
"It is a genuine problem that the Palace is looking to address," an unnamed source told Eden. "Can you imagine the Duke of York having to sign official documents, for example, because the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge were both abroad, and the Queen became ill? It’s not an exaggeration to say it could put the monarchy in jeopardy."
Buckingham Palace declined to comment. However, an unnamed source said it would be difficult to remove the two dukes for the role because an Act of Parliament is needed to do so.
"There could be events later this year which make such a change necessary," the source who declined to elaborate added.
What Is Prince Harry And Prince Andrew's Role As Counsellors Of State?
The Counsellors of State are the four adults next to succession, provided that they are 21 years and older. There are four Counsellors of State — Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince Harry and Prince Andrew.
Its history was provided in 1937 under the terms of the Regency Act. The office of Counsellors of State was created to cover short-term absences so that regency would be unnecessary.
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The Counsellors of State are authorized to carry out most of the official duties of the Sovereign. They could attend Privy Council meetings, sign routine documents and receive the credentials of new ambassadors to the United Kingdom. However, some core constitutional functions may not be deleted to them like Commonwealth matters, dissolving of Parliament unless the Queen express instruction, creation of peers and appointing a Prime Minister.
Stay tuned for more news and updates about the royal family.
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