King Charles III will reportedly keep Prince Andrew and Prince Harry as his deputies. There had been suggestions the pair should be stripped of their roles as Counsellors of State, which mean they assist the Monarch in official business should he be out of the country or become unwell.
The suitability of the Duke of Sussex and the Duke of York for this role had been questioned in the House of Lords. Viscount Stansgate challenged the logic behind Harry and Andrew continuing in these roles considering the former quit his full-time royal duties and lives in the US and the latter has "left public life".
And Liberal Democrat peer Lord Addington said working royals should be prioritised for such roles. He said they should be carried out by "somebody who actually undertakes royal duties".
It was thought the King could strip Harry and brother Andrew of the roles, because they are no longer working members of the royal family. However, royal sources have now confirmed the King keep the two Princes in post - and could have as many as eight Counsellors of State, reports The Mirror.
Its sources say the Queen Consort Camilla, William Prince of Wales, the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of York and Princess Beatrice will all hold Counsellors of State positions. Princess Royal Anne, Prince Edward and the Princess of Wales are also likely to be made Counsellors of State, according to The Mirror's sources.
“No-one will be excluded," said the Palace source. "The pool of Counsellors of State will be expanded, this is for purely practical reasons.
“As the King and Queen Consort are likely to be away, as could the Prince and Princess of Wales, it is only right this is attended to.”
Before the Queen’s death, Counsellors of State positions were held by the then Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince Andrew and Prince Harry. They were chosen because they were the four next in line to the throne and are at least over the age of 18. Prince Philip, as spouse of the monarch also held the position until his retirement in 2017.
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