UK's House of Lords question possibility of Prince Harry, Prince Andrew to serve as counsellors of state

The possibility of Prince Harry and Prince Andrew to step in for the King on official duties is being debated in the House of Lords. The two royals are among the five counsellors of state, who can perform the constitutional duties of the King if the monarch is unwell or out of the country. Counsellors of state usually consist of the monarch's spouse and the four people, who are next in line to the throne and are aged over 21.

During a sitting in the House of Lords, Viscount Stansgate questioned the logic behind the continuation of Prince Harry and Prince Andrew as counsellors of state. He asked whether there were any proposals to amend the Regency Act since Prince Andrew has "left public life" and Prince Harry has quit his royal duties and currently lives in the United States.

Stansgate asked the House if the government should approach the King and look into the possibilities of a "sensible amendment" in this regard. Liberal Democrat Lord Addington backed the opinions of Stansgate. Lord Addington stated the responsibilities of a counsellor of state should be carried out by the person "who actually undertakes royal duties."



Currently, the counsellors of state are the monarch's wife, Queen Consort Camilla, his two sons (Prince William and Prince Harry), Prince Andrew and Princess Beatrice.

FAQs:

1. Who are the counsellors of state?
   The counsellors of state include five members who can carry out the King's duties in the monarch's absence.
2. Which act covers the matter of counsellors of state?
   The Regency Act covers matters related to counsellors of state.