Charles III celebrated his 74th birthday on Monday 14 November and while he was the one giving out presents to his siblings Princess Anne and Prince Edward, he also snubbed his other brother Prince Andrew and youngest son Prince Harry.
The King promoted the Princess Royal and the Earl of Wessex to royal duties, asking the House of Lords to make them Counsellors of State, meaning they will deputise for him if he is ill or abroad. This move has effectively ensured that Andrew and Harry will unlikely to ever be called upon, as Queen Consort Camilla, Prince William, the Princess Royal and Princess Beatrice also hold the titles.
The Counsellors of State Bill has been introduced to the House of Lords and received its first reading just a day after the monarch made the formal request. The law change is being fast-tracked through Parliament and will be debated in full on Monday 21 November and it is scheduled to clear the upper chamber on Wednesday before heading to the Commons.
