Fresh snub for Harry and Andrew as Buckingham Palace quietly sidelines princes from serving as Counsellors of State to step in for King Charles in the latest humiliation for royal duo
By Chris Matthews,
2024-01-19
Buckingham Palace has quietly sidelined Harry and Andrew and prevented them from standing in for King Charles.
The Mail's Robert Hardman was first to say the princes could be barred from Counsellors of State way back in October 2022.
Although the pair technically remain in the prestigious royal roles, the King made a provision meaning they will never be called upon.
Yet Lord True, lord privy seal and leader of the Lords, confirmed in a statement on November 21, 2022, that in practical terms, only working members would be called on to act as Charles's substitute.
Although the pair technically remain counsellors of state, the King made a provision meaning they will never be called upon
The Lord Privy Seal Lord True told peers : 'This Bill represents a practical solution and safeguard to ensure that the machinery of Government can continue.'
He stressed: 'The royal household have confirmed that in practice working members of the royal family - working members - will be called upon to act as Counsellors of State and that diaries will be arranged to make this practicable.
It is the latest humiliation for royal duo Harry and Andrew, who have both faced controversy in recent years.
The rule also means Andrew's eldest daughter Princess Beatrice will also not be allowed to act as a substitute for the King.
King Charles and Queen Camilla at church in Sandringham on Christmas Day last month The Mail's Robert Hardman was first to say the princes could be barred from counsellors of state way back in October 2022.
At present, when the monarch is absent for whatever reason, state business — such as approvals for most appointments and legislation — can be conducted by two Counsellors of State.
Suggestions Harry and Andrew should be stripped of being counsellors of state were made in the Lords in 2022.
It comes as Harry is set to be inducted as a 'Living Legend of Aviation' on Friday at an awards ceremony hosted by John Travolta in Beverly Hills, California.
The duke's work setting up the Invictus Games Foundation will also be celebrated. It is not clear if Harry or his wife Meghan will attend the glitzy awards do.
Meanwhile, Prince Andrew has once again found himself associated with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein after troves of documents relating to the socialite were released.
MailOnline has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.
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