Duchess Camilla’s royal role ‘to be expanded’ amid the Queen’s health concerns
Duchess Camilla could reportedly be set to join just four other royals in holding an elite role.
Duchess Camilla could reportedly be set to take on an expanded role within the Royal Family, including the possibility of receiving a prestigious title amid concerns about the Queen’s health.
- Palace aides are set to be drafting major plans to expand the Duchess of Cornwall’s role as the Queen continues to rest.
- It’s claimed that Duchess Camilla could even be made one of the monarch’s Counsellors of State who take on royal duties if the Queen is unable to perform them.
- This royal news comes as the Queen has been forced to cancel this historic royal tradition following doctors' advice.
Duchess Camilla might already have a prominent royal role given her position as the Duchess of Cornwall and wife of Prince Charles, who is first in the royal line of succession. Now, however, it’s been suggested that her involvement in carrying out royal engagements and other important commitments could be even more crucial if the Queen should become unable to perform her duties as Head of State.
According to the Mail on Sunday, the recent concerns about the Queen’s health have led Palace Aides to begin drafting plans for the Duchess of Cornwall to take on an expanded role within the Royal Family. Despite the Queen pulling out of a royal trip on “medical advice” in recent weeks and having also now pulled out of the COP26 climate change conference, she has continued her royal duties at Windsor Castle.
🥇The 2020 winner of The Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry, David Constantine, has been officially presented with his medal during a virtual Audience with The Queen. David was joined at Buckingham Palace by the Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, who chairs the Poetry Medal Committee. pic.twitter.com/HWGUqkNCS1October 28, 2021
Though there are four senior royals who are understood to be ready to step in to perform them on her behalf. These prominent royals are known as the Queen’s Counsellors of State and can be asked to take over the monarch’s duties if she is unwell or abroad. The current Counsellors of State include two of the Queen’s children, Prince Charles and Prince Andrew, as well as two of the Queen’s grandchildren, Prince William and Prince Harry.
These four were reportedly chosen because each is over the age of 18 and are the four next in the royal line of succession. However, following the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, Prince Andrew stepped away from royal duties and isn't a working royal.
Neither is his nephew Prince Harry, who “stepped back” from royal life with his wife Meghan Markle and has since settled in the US. This could potentially pose a problem in the future as it’s said two Counsellors of State are required to perform critical functions such as providing royal assent on bills passing through Parliament.
In light of this, Dr Craig Prescott, a constitutional expert at Bangor University, told the Mail on Sunday that the current situation could see the Queen appointing other Counsellors of State and Duchess Camilla’s name could potentially be on the list.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
He explained, “There is a small but genuine risk that the non-availability of Counsellors of State could impede the operation of the constitution. It could certainly make the day-to-day running of Government much more tricky. The Counsellors of State are a Plan B from a constitutional point of view, but what happens when Plan B isn’t quite ideal?”
Dr Prescott went on to allege, “The Queen may look to add the Duchess of Cornwall, who would become a Counsellor of State when Charles is King anyway. Or they could go down the line to Princesses Beatrice or Eugenie, or add more members of the family, like Princess Anne or Prince Edward to the list.”
At the moment it remains to be seen whether Duchess Camilla’s royal role will be expanded more generally, or if she could indeed join her husband, brother-in-law and stepsons as one of the Queen’s Counsellors of State should the need arise.
Meanwhile, the Queen is currently said to be in “good spirits”, with Buckingham Palace confirming in a statement that “it remains her firm intention to be present for the national service of remembrance on Remembrance Sunday, on 14 November.”
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
Amal Clooney's silver two-piece is the unexpected solution to my Christmas party outfit dilemma
Her beautiful co-ord is the perfect combination of comfort and eye-catching style
By Kerrie Hughes Published
-
Can you bake Christmas cake in an air fryer? Yes, I did - and it was so much quicker than the oven
So you can bake cupcakes, bagels, and flapjacks but how about a Christmas cake in an air fryer? Here's a step-by-step guide to the bake
By Jessica Dady Published
-
The royal Christmas tradition that Prince William and Kate Middleton could change when they’re King and Queen
The Prince and Princess of Wales might change 'a lot' of royal customs one day and a royal expert suspects this will be one of them
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Where do King Charles and Queen Camilla live, do they own Clarence House and how many bedrooms does their sentimental home have?
King Charles has lived at Clarence House since 2003 and although he and Queen Camilla might move one day, it's a very special royal home
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Princess Charlotte in 'floods of tears' after Prince William made appearance change - but he convinced her it was 'going to be ok'
The Prince of Wales has explained how Princess Charlotte reacted when he first introduced a new change to his appearance
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Prince William shares new update on Kate Middleton since she 'completed' cancer treatment
The Prince of Wales shared an insight into the Princess's wellbeing after he travelled to Cape Town for the 2025 Earthshot Prize Awards
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William's divisive sleeping set-up at Adelaide Cottage won’t be for everyone
The Prince of Wales has reportedly revealed his and Kate's sleeping set-up and they've made a decision that might divide the crowd
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton’s favourite dessert is a decadent classic that she enjoys at cosy Berkshire pub
The Princess of Wales is said to love an indulgent British dessert and Prince William seemingly just confirmed it's her 'favourite'
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Prince William's excuse to get out of 'competitive' game night with Middletons
Prince William is reportedly not a big fan of the Middleton family's 'favourite' fast-paced card game and he used this excuse to get out of it
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate and William thought Prince George would 'freak out' trying their 'adored' hobby - but he loves it!
The Prince and Princess of Wales have introduced their eldest son to an adventurous hobby and Prince George has become a big fan
By Emma Shacklock Published