In a strategic maneuver that went unnoticed by many, the palace has taken discreet actions to ensure that Prince Andrew and Prince Harry will never have the chance to stand in for King Charles.
The royal family has undergone unprecedented restructuring, with King Charles scheduled for a medical procedure related to his enlarged prostate.
However, a surprising development emerged during this period.
On November 21, 2022, a quiet announcement was made in the House of Lords revealing that Prince Andrew and Prince Harry had been quietly relieved of their roles as councillors of state.
The royal household clarified that only active members of the royal family would be eligible for this responsibility.
This significant alteration was formalized through the passing of the Councillors of State Bill in December 2022, designating Princess Anne and Prince Edward as lifelong councillors of state, irrespective of potential succession scenarios involving Prince William.
This revelation, previously overlooked, has brought attention to the recent string of health issues affecting senior royals.
In addition to Charles’s medical condition, the Princess of Wales is undergoing planned surgery and is expected to be absent from royal duties until at least April.
Prince William will be taking a break to care for his wife, leaving Queen Camilla as the primary senior working royal responsible for public engagements in the foreseeable future.
The necessity to reevaluate the role of councillors of state arose, typically assigned to the monarch’s spouse, Camilla, and the first four individuals in the line of succession over the age of 21.
These individuals may be called upon to manage royal affairs in times of need, such as temporary incapacity or the monarch’s absence from the UK.
While technically, Charles’s councillors of state included William, Harry, Andrew, and Beatrice, the disqualification of three of them prompted the appointment of Anne and Edward, both actively engaged in royal duties.
Notably, Harry voluntarily stepped back from his senior royal position in January 2020, relocating to the United States.
Conversely, Andrew was compelled to resign in January 2022 following the removal of his military titles and patronages by Queen Elizabeth due to his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
Beatrice’s limited involvement in royal responsibilities also contributed to her ineligibility.
Recent findings by The Times revealed that Harry and Andrew’s eligibility as councillors of state was quietly revoked shortly after Charles ascended the throne.
With the necessity for two councillors of state, Princess Anne and Prince Edward were added to the list as potential replacements.
Despite the historical precedent of councillors being summoned during Queen Elizabeth’s knee surgery in 2003, it is anticipated that King Charles will maintain his duties effectively, given his current health status.
This situation has raised questions about Charles’s vision for a more streamlined monarchy, contrasting with the larger number of working royals during Queen Elizabeth’s reign.
The prospect of a slimmed-down monarchy may not align with public expectations, as indicated by royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams.
Presently, there are only four individuals under the age of 70 involved in royal duties, emphasizing the evolving dynamics within the British royal family.
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