King Charles’ first major change as King sees Princess Anne set to receive new role in modern monarchy
The details of King Charles' first major move as Sovereign explained as he showcases trust in Princess Anne and Prince Edward in his reign...
King Charles’ first major move as Sovereign means Princess Anne could be set to receive a new role in the modern monarchy.
- His Majesty has requested to amend the Regency Act and add Princess Anne and Prince Edward as Counselors of State.
- This move could be seen as very significant and modern as the Princess Royal is the second oldest of the late Queen’s children but is 16th in line to the throne.
- This royal news comes as Prince William was praised for giving the England football team 'boost' with a special gift ahead of Qatar World Cup.
Even before His Majesty ascended to the throne speculation had arisen over the changes he might want to make going forward when he became monarch. From reports claiming then-Prince Charles might avoid Buckingham Palace and break with royal tradition to more recent suggestions that he could want to “cut down” the Royal Family’s working members, it was thought changes could lie ahead.
Now King Charles’ first major move has seen him prioritize two of his siblings as Princess Anne and Prince Edward could become Counselors of State.
As reported by the BBC, the King’s requested change was read to the House of Lords on November 14 and it’s expected that a reply will soon be given. The request was explained as helping to “ensure continued efficiency of public business when [he’s] unavailable, such as while [he’s] undertaking official duties overseas".
Counselors of State can stand in for the monarch and undertake the majority of their duties on a “temporary basis”. Legally, the Counselors of State include the monarch’s spouse as well as the four people highest in the royal line of succession, as long as they are above the age of 21.
In line with this, King Charles’ current Counselors of State are Camilla, Queen Consort, Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Andrew, and Princess Beatrice.
Princess Anne is 16th in line to the throne because of a law that has since been changed which favored male heirs over female heirs, even though she’s the second-born of the late Queen’s children. Despite this, the Princess Royal’s commitment to supporting the monarchy has been outstanding and she has consistently been found to be the hardest working royal.
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.
The King’s choice highlights his immense respect for her and could be seen as honoring her dedication. In some ways it dispels the effect of the earlier law by giving Princess Anne a role which she might always have been trusted to do, but which her place in the line of succession prevented her from having.
Prince Edward might be above his sister, but he is still only 13th in line and becoming a Counselor of State would also be a sign of trust in him too. Both were previously Counselors of State earlier in the Queen’s reign before being overtaken in the line of succession.
This thoroughly modern move is not the only interesting detail that can be seen in King Charles’ first major move. Rather than remove Prince Harry who lives in Santa Barbara and isn’t readily available to stand-in, His Majesty has kept him as a Counselor of State. In King Charles’ first address to the nation he expressed his “love for Harry and Meghan” and his choice to not cut them out completely is heart-warming.
This pathway also means Princess Beatrice remains a Counselor of State too. This could perhaps indicate that she - and potentially her sister Princess Eugenie - may continue to have a part to play in royal life regardless of the reports of King Charles wanting to streamline the monarchy.
It’s not known exactly why King Charles’s first major move as Sovereign was to request the addition of his siblings rather than the removal of Prince Harry who lives abroad or Prince Andrew who retired from royal life in 2019. However, this is significant and it’s a lovely indication of the relationship between King Charles and Princess Anne in particular.
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!
-
We're still thinking about Helen Skelton's Western-style denim dress with candy pink court shoes
Helen's cowgirl-esque denim dress is a capsule wardrobe must have
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
'Can I paint over wallpaper?' an expert reveals what you need to know before wasting money on materials
A decorator with 50 years of experience says you can - but explains why you sometimes shouldn't
By Tamara Kelly Published
-
King Charles opens up on 'shock' and 'difficulty' of his cancer diagnosis as he holds hands with cancer patients
King Charles marked his return to public-facing duties with a significant royal visit and shared his feelings about his cancer diagnosis
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Royal coronations throughout the years – the interesting facts you may not know
From King Charles III's recent coronation to traditions from coronations centuries ago – here's everything you need to know about royal coronations
By Amy Hunt Published
-
The 32 funniest candid Royal Family balcony moments
We look back at some of the best candid royal family balcony moments from across the years
By Elena Kiratzi Published
-
The 52p ingredient King Charles has on his afternoon snack is such an aromatic addition and we can't wait to try it
There's a very affordable and unique ingredient King Charles reportedly has on his afternoon snack and it sounds so delicious
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
King Charles and Queen Camilla’s wedding day changed at the last minute as a royal ‘mark of respect’
King Charles and Queen Camilla's wedding day was postponed just days before out of 'respect' as the groom stepped up to put duty first
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
What titles did Prince Andrew lose after his Newsnight interview and when did he step back?
You might be wondering what titles Prince Andrew has lost as Netflix's Scoop dramatises his shocking Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton and King Charles's 'strong relationship' has been 'cemented' by cancer diagnoses, expert claims
The Princess of Wales and King might reportedly find it 'comforting' to be able to 'confide' in each other at this challenging time
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
This Longchamp tote lookalike that's just like Kate Middleton and Princess Anne's favourite is a bargain buy that'll serve you all year round
The Princess of Wales and Princess Anne are huge fans of the classic Longchamp Le Pliage and this timeless alternative is so affordable
By Emma Shacklock Published