King Charles has made an announcement on the occasion of his 74th birthday, revealing his plans to request Parliament to amend the Regency Act.
The proposed amendment aims to increase the number of councillors of state who can carry out official public duties on behalf of the monarch when he is overseas or otherwise unable to fulfill his obligations.
In addition to his sister, Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, King Charles also intends to include his younger brother, Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex and Forfar.
This decision represents a generous acknowledgment of the long-standing services rendered by Princess Anne and Prince Edward, who have often carried out their duties with little recognition or reward.
It is indeed a springtime for the Prince and Princess, as they are given this splendid opportunity.
However, for the existing councillors of state, Prince Harry and Prince Andrew, it is now winter.
Although they have not been officially stripped of their responsibilities, both men no longer hold an official role within the royal family.
The appointment of Princess Anne and Prince Edward as replacements for Prince Harry and Prince Andrew is a straightforward yet brutal move.
Under King Charles’ reign, anyone deemed surplus to the requirements of the monarchy can now be disregarded.
This decision comes after ongoing concerns were raised about Prince Andrew and Prince Harry continuing to hold their roles despite no longer being working members of the royal family.
The councillors of state bill received its first reading in the House of Lords.
Following King Charles’ letter to Parliament requesting the change in law, the bill will be fully debated by the Lords next Monday.
All stages of the bill are expected to be completed by the following Wednesday before it moves to the House of Commons.
Finally, it will return to the Lords for Royal Assent, making it a law.
Lord True, the Lord Privy Seal, proposed the bill and emphasized that peers would have ample opportunity to express their opinions, including proposing amendments.
The King’s intention is to expand the number of royal family members who can act as his representatives, especially as he and Queen Consort Camilla plan their first overseas tour in the spring.
This decision is seen as a means of sidelining three non-working members of the family who currently serve as councillors of state.
According to international experts, it is legally and diplomatically easier to extend the number of councillors of state rather than remove individuals from the list.
Both Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, and Princess Anne, who have previously served as councillors of state when they held higher positions in the line of succession, are expected to be appointed to the role for life.
During the Lords session, Labour peer Lord Foulkes raised questions about the possibility of adding other members of the royal family to the list and the procedure for doing so.
Lord True responded by stating that amendments could be proposed to the bill and urged peers to consider the King’s wishes.
Another Labour peer, Lord Berkeley, questioned the status of Prince Andrew and Prince Harry, asking if they have been or will be removed from their roles, despite no longer performing royal duties.
This development raises the question: Is this just the beginning of a slimmed-down monarchy?
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Until next time, hasta la vista.