The royal family is grappling with a significant dilemma following Prince Harry‘s decision to step down from his role as a working royal, resulting in him losing his position as Counsellor of State.
This move has paved the way for discussions on appointing Princess Beatrice as his potential successor in this crucial role.
In accordance with the current royal constitution, four designated members of the family hold the title of Counsellors of State, enabling them to carry out official duties on behalf of the Queen in case of her incapacity.
However, Prince Harry’s relocation outside the UK renders him ineligible to fulfill this responsibility, prompting considerations for Princess Beatrice to assume this pivotal position as the next in line after her father, Prince Andrew.
Vernon Bogdana, a distinguished government professor at King’s College London and the author of Monarchy and the Constitution, emphasized that a Counsellor residing outside the UK is precluded from acting in this capacity, thereby ruling out Prince Harry.
Consequently, Princess Beatrice emerges as the most viable candidate, meeting the requisite criteria of succession and age.
While certain functions of the Head of State can be delegated, there remains a constitutional intricacy surrounding the absence of Prince Harry from his former role.
The royal household has refrained from providing any official statements on this matter when approached for clarification.
The current roster of Counsellors includes Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince Andrew, and Prince Harry, all strategically positioned in the line of succession and meeting the age threshold.
However, Prince Andrew’s standing is also under scrutiny following his withdrawal from public duties in the wake of serious allegations against him.
Moreover, deliberations are underway within palace circles regarding the potential inclusion of Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, among the elite group of senior royals.
Her increasing involvement in royal affairs and growing popularity among the British populace have sparked speculations about her elevated role within the monarchy.
As discussions intensify amidst an ageing monarch, considerations are being made for scenarios where the Queen may be unable to fulfill her duties.
With Prince Andrew and Prince Harry excluded from contention and Prince Charles and Prince William heavily occupied, the selection of Counsellors of State assumes paramount importance in ensuring the smooth functioning of the monarchy.
Historically, Counsellors of State have played pivotal roles during critical junctures in the monarchy’s operations.
Notably, in 1974, the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret assumed this responsibility to approve the dissolution of Ted Heath’s government while the Queen and Prince Philip were abroad.
Princess Beatrice, currently positioned as tenth in line to the throne, maintains active engagements with charitable organizations despite not being classified as a working royal or receiving financial support from the Sovereign Grant.
Her professional role at Affinitie and her familial life at St. James’s Palace underscore her multifaceted responsibilities and commitments.
Meanwhile, public discourse continues to reverberate with discussions surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’s revelations during their much-publicized interview with Oprah Winfrey.
While some claims made by the couple have been disputed, including Meghan’s assertion regarding security arrangements for their son Archie, the spotlight now shifts towards Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie as they navigate these turbulent waters.
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