In a surprising turn of events, King Charles III has chosen his sister, Princess Anne, to act as his regent while he recuperates from prostate surgery.
This decision has left many royal watchers shocked, as they had expected the king to appoint his eldest son, Prince William, as his temporary successor.
However, sources close to the king have revealed that there were specific reasons behind his choice.
According to the Regency Act 1937, if the king is unable to perform his royal duties due to illness, absence, or incapacity, he can delegate these functions to a regent.
The regent must be qualified to succeed to the throne and cannot be a Roman Catholic.
Additionally, the king can nominate up to five councillors of state to exercise his powers in his absence or under his direction.
However, parliament must approve the king’s choice of regent and councillors of state.
Following his recent corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate, King Charles III is expected to remain in the hospital for a few days before continuing his recovery at home for several weeks.
During this period, he has appointed Princess Anne, also known as the Princess Royal, as his regent.
Prince William, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward have been selected as his councillors of state, while Prince Harry was not included in the appointments.
Buckingham Palace made the announcement on Monday, assuring the public that the king is doing well and expressing gratitude for their good wishes.
The king’s decision to name Princess Anne as his regent has surprised many, as it diverges from the precedent set by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
When she was hospitalized for a bladder infection in 2012, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Prince Charles as her regent.
However, insiders claim that the king had valid reasons for choosing his sister over his sons, emphasizing that it was not intended as a snub to Prince William, who is next in line for the throne.
One of the key factors influencing the king’s choice was Princess Anne’s exceptional dedication to her royal duties.
Renowned as the hardest working member of the royal family, the 73-year-old princess carried out an impressive 506 engagements in 2023, surpassing all other royals.
She is actively involved in over 300 charities and organizations, particularly focusing on sports, education, agriculture, and the environment.
The king greatly admires his sister’s work ethic and professionalism, believing that she possesses the necessary qualities to fulfill the responsibilities of a regent.
Another significant factor contributing to Princess Anne’s selection was her unwavering loyalty to both her brother and the monarchy.
Despite facing various scandals and controversies in recent years, Princess Anne has consistently supported her brother, even during challenging times such as his divorce from Princess Diana, his marriage to Camilla Parker Bowles, and his association with the Jeffrey Epstein case.
She has been a vocal advocate for upholding the traditions and values of the royal family, defending the institution of the monarchy.
The king places great trust in his sister’s judgment and discretion, confident that she will safeguard his interests and reputation as a regent.
Additionally, Princess Anne’s extensive experience and seniority within the royal family and the commonwealth played a crucial role in the king’s decision.
As the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, she has been a working royal since the age of 18, representing the queen and the king on numerous occasions, both domestically and internationally.
Furthermore, she holds the title of princess royal, a distinction not held by any woman since 1642.
The king values his sister’s knowledge and expertise, considering her a fitting representative of his authority and dignity as a regent.
The king’s choice of Princess Anne as his regent has been met with praise from many royal fans and commentators who commend her for her service, dedication, and loyalty.
However, some speculate that this decision may have caused tension and resentment among his sons, particularly Prince William, who may have anticipated assuming the role of temporary successor.
Nonetheless, the king has reportedly reassured his sons that his choice of regent does not alter the order of succession, affirming that he still considers Prince William as his heir and future king.
The appointment of Princess Anne as regent, along with the selected councillors of state, will remain in effect until the king fully recovers from surgery and resumes his royal duties.
It is expected that he will make a complete recovery within a few weeks and return to his normal responsibilities.
Until then, Princess Anne will act as regent, performing the duties and functions of the sovereign with the guidance and advice of the councillors of state.