In recent developments within the British monarchy, King Charles has made a decision that has raised eyebrows. It appears that Princess Eugenie has been excluded from the list of State advisors, while her older sister, Princess Beatrice, retains her position. This decision is said to be motivated by a desire to avoid upsetting Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, according to insights from a royal historian.
Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice are not considered working members of the royal family. However, Princess Beatrice holds the role of a counselor of State, which means she may be called upon to stand in for the king in specific circumstances such as illness or travel. Typically, these counselors include the king's wife and the four individuals next in line to the throne, provided they are over the age of 21. In this case, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Andrew, and Princess Beatrice would be the expected lineup.
However, due to Prince Harry and Prince Andrew stepping down from their royal duties, adjustments were made in the councils of State. In 2022, Princess Eugenie and Prince Edward were promoted to the position. This decision was made despite Princess Eugenie being ahead of them in the line of succession. Royal historian Marlene Cony explained to GB News the rationale behind this arrangement.
Cony clarified that when Charles ascended to the throne, he was no longer a counselor of State, which prompted Princess Beatrice's move into the position. Technically, Prince Harry shouldn't be part of the lineup as he is not a resident of the UK. However, Charles doesn't want to upset the Sussexes. Similarly, Prince Andrew, who has faced allegations, has not been removed either.
Cony further explained that Charles had parliament pass a law to include Princess Anne and Prince Edward as counselors. This decision was made to ensure that Princess Eugenie, who would move up in the succession order if Harry were removed, remains in the same position. Following Eugenie would be Prince Edward, and then Princess Anne, as Lady Louise and her brother are not yet 21 years old.
Currently, King Charles is focusing on his cancer treatment and has taken a step back from public duties. While he has not appointed State advisors yet, he continues to fulfill his constitutional duties behind the scenes. He remains engaged with daily affairs, receiving red boxes, meeting the Prime Minister, and carrying out various responsibilities that may go unnoticed by the public.
It is important to note that there are fewer public appearances by the royal family members in the UK at the moment due to various factors. King Charles was last seen in public on Easter when he attended church at St George's Chapel in Windsor, accompanied by some members of the Royal Family.
