In the aftermath of Queen Elizabeth’s passing, Princess Beatrice has been given a new and significant position within the royal family.
The eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, Princess Beatrice has been appointed as a Councillor of State.
This means that she will be able to step in for King Charles III and carry out his royal duties if necessary.
The role of a Councillor of State comes into play when the monarch is unwell or away on official business.
In such instances, the title holder can temporarily fulfill the sovereign’s duties.
Prior to Queen Elizabeth’s passing, Princes Charles, Andrew, William, and Harry have all served in this capacity.
Currently, Princess Beatrice is fourth in line for those who are 21 years or older, but she is tenth in the overall line of succession after Charles ascended to the throne.
However, this arrangement does not apply to Camilla, the Queen’s wife, who has the authority to act as a leader in Charles’ absence.
As a Councillor of State, Princess Beatrice will have the authority to perform most of the sovereign’s formal duties if required.
These duties include attending privy council sessions, handling standard paperwork, and accepting credentials of new ambassadors to the UK.
However, she will not be able to address commonwealth concerns, appoint peers, select a prime minister, or dissolve parliament unless specifically instructed by the king.
Last year, Princess Beatrice and her husband Adordo Mapelli Mosi welcomed their first child, Sienna Elizabeth.
Princess Beatrice has always held a deep affection for Queen Elizabeth, referring to her as her granny and expressing her happiness to have her in her life.
However, she has not yet made a public statement regarding the Queen’s passing or her new position as Councillor of State.
Joe Biden Unlikely to Attend King Charles’ Coronation
In a surprising turn of events, it appears that US President Joe Biden is unlikely to attend King Charles’ coronation on May 6.
Reports suggest that the 80-year-old president is leaning against attending the event as he will already be in Ireland to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
While plans are being made for representation at the coronation on behalf of President Biden, it remains unknown who would stand in for him.
The Windsor Framework, a deal aimed at resolving post-Brexit challenges in Northern Ireland, may play a role in ensuring that Vice President Biden visits Northern Ireland during his trip.
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which opposes the Northern Ireland Protocol that the Windsor Framework seeks to replace, has been blocking the functioning of institutions established by the Good Friday Agreement.
Although the party is currently considering adopting the Windsor Agreement and returning to Stormont, it is unlikely that this deadlock will prevent Biden from visiting the White House.
These developments come amidst allegations that Biden’s Irish Catholic mother strongly disliked the royal family and forbade him from bowing to the Queen.
In his autobiography, “Promises to Keep,” Biden recalled his mother’s words when he mentioned meeting the Queen: “Don’t you bow down to her.”
Biden’s Irish heritage and his mother’s influence may have shaped his perspective on the royal family.
During Queen Elizabeth II’s burial in September 2022, Biden’s arrival was delayed, causing him and Jill Biden to wait in Westminster Abbey.
Instead of joining the 500 invited dignitaries on the bus, the couple opted for their own transport.
They arrived at the Abbey later than scheduled, missing the procession of George and Victoria Cross recipients as they were seated in a heavily armored limousine.
Playful Interaction between King Charles and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh
At the Commonwealth Day service held on Monday, a heartwarming connection between King Charles III and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, was captured on video.
The newly appointed Duchess of Edinburgh engaged in a playful shoulder bump with her brother-in-law, King Charles III, showcasing their warm relationship.
This public display of affection provided a lighthearted moment during the event, highlighting the camaraderie within the royal family.
As they continue to navigate their roles and responsibilities, such interactions serve as reminders of the personal bonds that exist among its members.