Charles III is preparing to change British law to prevent retired royal princes Harry and Andrew from taking over when he is ill or abroad, British media reported on Thursday.
Under a 1937 law, the monarch can be substituted for certain tasks, such as signing official documents during his absences by his husband or wife and by the first four adults in the order of succession.
For Charles, they are the queen consort Camilla, her sons William and Harry, her brother Andrew and her niece Beatrice.
An extended role to Princess Anne and Prince Edward
But Harry has distanced himself from the royal family and moved to the United States after tensions with his brother and father. Prince Andrew has been deprived of any role with the “Royals” after allegations of sexual assault. Beatrice, Andrew’s eldest daughter, is not a “working” member of the royal family.
To prevent one of the two fallen princes from having to take over as interim king – especially when he is traveling with Camilla and William is also abroad – the list of people who can replace him should be expanded, according to various media, to include the princess. . Ana and Prince Eduardo, sister and brother of Carlos III.
This solution makes it possible to not use Harry and Andrew without formally excluding them.
Law amendment to come?
According to Telegraph, a change in the law could take place “in the coming weeks” and is “a logical step” ahead of Charles and Camilla’s planned foreign trips in 2023.
Buckingham Palace did not react, but the issue was raised in the House of Lords on Monday, with MP Stephen Benn wondering if “it was not time to discuss with the king an amendment” to the law.
“Or the situation suits the government” with a prince “who has left public life” and another “who has left the country,” he added.
“The government will always study the necessary arrangements,” responded Conservative Lord Nicholas True, stressing that a monarch’s accession to the throne was a good opportunity to re-examine the text.
Meanwhile, “state advisers” can guarantee most of the official obligations of the sovereign (signing documents, receiving ambassadors, holding meetings).
Before Elizabeth II’s death in September, Charles had replaced her on numerous occasions, including during the very solemn Speech from the Throne to Parliament in May.
Source: BFM TV
