Prince Harry has been ruled out of stepping in for King Charles as a constitutional expert weighs in on who could be called upon to act as councillors of state.
Welcome to Royal Pancakes.
Stay tuned for updates about the British Royal Family.
The Royal Household has provided two health updates this week, sparking speculation about potential changes and the need for other family members to assume official duties.
People are wondering if Prince Harry might take on some responsibilities, but it’s not as simple as it seems.
Following the news of Princess Kate’s recovery from abdominal surgery, it was announced that King Charles will soon undergo a corrective procedure for his enlarged prostate.
Both royals will require time to rest.
Princess Kate will spend the next 10 to 14 days at the London Clinic before continuing her recovery at home.
She will be stepping back from her duties until after Easter, and Prince William will also reduce his commitments to focus on his wife’s health.
King Charles will also postpone his public engagements temporarily, resulting in a low profile for three of the most senior royals in the coming weeks.
In the event that King Charles falls ill or travels abroad, he has special helpers known as councillors of state.
These individuals include Queen Camilla and the next four in line to the throne: Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Andrew, and Princess Beatrice.
However, since Prince Harry and Prince Andrew do not currently carry out royal duties and Prince Harry no longer has a residence in the UK, they are unable to assist.
Last year, Princess Anne and Prince Edward were granted permission to be councillors of state, although they were previously excluded due to the growing size of the royal family.
Dr. Craig Prescott, an expert in royal protocol, explained that two councillors of state are typically required.
It would be expected for Prince William to be one of those individuals, alongside someone else.
However, since Prince William is unavailable and Prince Harry is residing in America, Princess Anne and Prince Edward would be able to act if councillors of state were needed.
Meghan has never held the role of councillor of state.
Dr. Prescott also noted that even if the law had not changed, it would be unlikely for the Duke and Duchess to step in for Charles since they now reside in the US.
The duties involved require a physical presence in the UK.
It is anticipated that King Charles will resume his official duties shortly after his operation.
However, there may be certain matters that necessitate the monarch’s presence, such as privy council meetings.
In such cases, councillors of state would be expected to act, but they must be in the UK to fulfill these responsibilities.
As Prince Harry is currently overseas, he would be excluded from serving as a councillor of state.
Dr. Prescott highlighted that there is a historical precedent of councillors of state assuming responsibilities during times of illness.
For instance, when Queen Elizabeth II underwent knee surgery in 2003, other senior royals temporarily took over her duties.