Prince Harry’s most important remaining royal role will be challenged in the House of Lords this week, questioning the possibility of deputizing for his father, Charles III, in a period of absence or illness after moving to the United States with Meghan Markle. was viewed.
The crown prince stepped down as an active member of the royal family in 2020, stripped of his public roles and military appointments. This did not extend to his legal entitlement to act as State Advisor or Regent in the event of the monarch’s absence from Britain or incapacity due to illness.
These qualifications are protected by law under the Regency Act of 1937, which states that the first five members of the bloodline royal family over the age of 21 (in addition to the monarch’s spouse) are advisors of state and can act as stipulated to be a candidate. as regent.
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The bill was put into question in the Senate on Monday, with Viscount Stansgate Stephen Benn saying the government would be “willing to continue a situation where state and regent powers could be exercised by the Duke of York”. Asked. Has one of the Dukes of Sussex left public life and the other from the country? ”
He then asked if it was time for the government to approach the king and ask if this was the right time to amend this law.
In response to his question, Lord Nicholas True, leader of the House of Lords, did not rule out the possibility of such changes.
He said the government “always considers what arrangements are necessary to ensure the resilience of our constitutional arrangements”, adding that “in the past, the time of accession has been to consider arrangements that are appropriate.” I’ve seen it prove to be a lucrative opportunity.”
The State Counselor can perform duties such as signing official documents, conducting royal ceremonies, and receiving official guests on behalf of the monarch if requested.
Camilla, Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Andrew and Princess Beatrice are currently available as advisors.
The problem lies in the fact that only two of these are “working royals” and that Lady Camilla is likely to accompany King Charles when counselor’s actions are called for, such as when he travels abroad.
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Under Regency Law, two counselors are required to work together to carry out their duties. As it stands, Prince William will be traveling with Harry (who needs to be in the UK to fulfill the role). Prince Andrew, who has been publicly disgraced for her friendship with Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of sexual abuse, or Princess Beatrice, who is not considered a “working royal.”
British legal expert Craig Prescott said Newsweek “There have been problems with the accession of Charles III,” and an amendment to the Regency Act to include no less than six members of the royal family convened as counselors could solve the problem.
“Prince Edward and Princess Anne are two royals who perform official duties (Princess Anne is in fact conducting an ordination ceremony) and would be better suited to serve as State Counsel than Princess Beatrice, who does not perform official duties. ” he said.
“This is ultimately a parliamentary decision and new legislation must be passed to make this change.”
Prescott said there is legal precedent for doing this.
“Regency Act [of] In 1953, Queen Elizabeth’s Mother was added as Counselor of State for the rest of her life (she ceased to be Counselor of State after the death of King George VI. [as] She was no longer the prince’s wife),” he said.
“So the new Act of Parliament could do the same for Princess Anne and Prince Edward. Secretary of State), and she was able to act…with William.”
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But where would this leave Harry? A change like the one proposed would not preclude him from being considered a candidate for Counselor or Regent, but would extend the pool to other active royals. Become.
“There’s no need to eliminate Prince Harry and Prince Andrew, we just couldn’t act because they’re the only two people that need to act together,” Prescott said.
Given the reports of friction between Harry and members of the royal family, including his father, the King, and his brother William, the government, or for the government, should not take controversial actions such as actively excluding Harry from such a role. It’s hard to think of a brewing move as desirable.
Renowned royal critic Richard Fitzwilliams said Newsweek Changes to the Regency Act will be supported in the UK as they have been “long overdue”.
“Recently, after the death of Prince Philip, there has been danger,” he explained. Alternative? “
“It was implied in the discussion that the beginning of the reign would be a good time to consider such matters. It is true that it is necessary,” said Fitzwilliams.
“A new law to change this would have to be drafted by parliament, clearly in consultation with the royal family. In my view, doing so would have broad support.”
The issue is not currently scheduled for further debate in Parliament.
Newsweek We have reached out to representatives of Buckingham Palace and Prince Harry for comment.
Do you have questions about Charles III, William and Kate, Meghan and Harry or their families that you’d like an experienced royal correspondent to answer? Email Royals@newsweek.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
