Royal Family Faces Scrutiny Over Roles of Prince Andrew and Prince Harry

The Royal Family is currently facing mounting pressure to reassess the roles of Prince Andrew and Prince Harry following recent developments in their personal lives.

With Prince Harry now residing in California and Prince Andrew entangled in a legal dispute in the United States, questions have arisen regarding their continued involvement in royal duties.

The issue of the princes' responsibilities has now made its way into parliamentary discussions, marking a significant shift in the traditional dynamics within the monarchy.

In a rare move, members of the House of Lords have raised concerns about whether Prince Andrew and Prince Harry should retain their positions as councillors of state, responsible for representing the monarch in certain official capacities.

The debate centers around whether these roles should be upheld by individuals who are no longer actively engaged in royal duties.

This deliberation marks the first instance in which the status of the Dukes of York and Sussex as councillors has been publicly deliberated within the walls of Parliament.

Labour peer Vice Count Stansgate spearheaded the discussion in the House of Lords, prompting inquiries into potential amendments to the Regency Act.

He emphasized the need for a sensible review of the legislation, particularly in light of the changing circumstances surrounding the royal family.

The key question raised was whether it is prudent for individuals like Prince Andrew and Prince Harry, who have diverged from public life, to continue holding positions of significant authority within the monarchy.

Reports suggest that King Charles III is inclined towards revising the law to ensure that all his advisers are actively serving members of the royal family.

However, such a revision would necessitate amendments to existing statutes, including the 1937 Regency Act, which currently outlines the eligibility criteria for councillors of state.

As per the current regulations, only the next four individuals in line to the throne and the spouse of the Sovereign, aged over 31, are permitted to serve in this capacity.

At present, the roster of councillors includes the Queen Consort Prince William, Prince Harry, the Duke of York, and his daughter Beatrice.

Notably absent from this list are the children of Princess Anne and Prince Edward, who are further down the line of succession.

Given the seniority and experience of Prince Andrew and Prince Harry within the royal family, experts have advocated for their inclusion as active participants in these crucial roles.

Responding to queries from Vice-Count Stansgate, the Lord Privy Seal refrained from divulging details of any private discussions held between government officials and the royal household.

He underscored the importance of close collaboration with the monarchy on any proposed amendments to the Regency Act, hinting at a potential review coinciding with the impending change in leadership.

The upcoming transition in monarchy presents a strategic opportunity to reassess and fortify the constitutional framework governing the monarchy's operational mechanisms.

While Councillors of State are entrusted with a range of official duties, including attending Privy Council sessions and handling routine administrative tasks, certain prerogatives remain exclusively within the monarch's purview.