Under the reign of King Charles III, significant changes have taken place within the royal family.
Princess Beatrice, the king’s niece, and Queen Camilla, his wife, have been appointed to crucial new positions.
These roles involve serving as councillors of state, a responsibility that becomes paramount in the event the monarch is unable to fulfill their duties temporarily.
Currently, five members of the royal family hold these positions, ready to step in if needed, especially in cases of illness or absence abroad.
Previously, Prince Philip fulfilled the role of councillor of state under Queen Elizabeth II until his passing in April 2021.
Following King Charles’s ascension to the throne, a new lineup of councillors was established.
Alongside the monarch’s wife, Queen Consort Camilla, Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Andrew, and Princess Beatrice now serve as his trusted advisors.
They possess the authority to sign official documents and participate in privy council meetings when required, although ultimate power remains vested in the king.
The royal prerogative grants the councillors of state specific permissions, such as dissolving parliament, creating peers, addressing commonwealth matters, or appointing a prime minister.
Notably, some members currently holding these positions are not actively employed by the royal family.
Princess Beatrice, for instance, pursues her own endeavors outside royal duties, maintaining her HRH title and princess attire without representing the crown officially.
A notable absence in the line-up of working royals includes Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, who stepped back from royal obligations in 2020 and relocated to the United States.
Similarly, Prince Andrew withdrew from royal duties in 2019.
Despite their non-active status, they remain designated as councillors of state alongside Princess Beatrice and Queen Camilla.
Critics, such as royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, have raised concerns about the current composition of councillors of state.
With non-working royals occupying these positions, there is a call for a reevaluation during the upcoming reign.
Suggestions have been made for individuals like the Princess Royal and the Earl of Wessex to assume these responsibilities, necessitating adjustments to the selection process.
Looking ahead, when Prince William ascends to the throne, a new roster of councillors is anticipated.
The present Princess of Wales, his children, and Prince Harry are likely candidates to support him in his royal duties.
However, the royal family faces uncertainties surrounding King Charles’s impending coronation and unresolved matters such as the titles of his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.
In a separate revelation, details have emerged about King Charles III’s particular preferences and demands during his travels.
Reports indicate that the monarch carries his own bed and toilet seat when visiting various locations.
These requirements, reflecting a penchant for opulence, have stirred discussions about the extravagance associated with royal life.
Despite controversies surrounding his lifestyle, King Charles remains steadfast in his adherence to specific comforts and routines, as documented in recent publications.