Fresh criticism of Harry and Andrew as Buckingham Palace quietly sidelines princes to serve as state advisers to fill in for King Charles in the latest humiliation for the royal duo
- Princes Harry and Andrew are not allowed to act as state advisors
Buckingham Palace has quietly sidelined Harry and Andrew, preventing them from replacing King Charles.
The Mail's Robert Hardman was the first to say the princes could be barred from serving as state advisers as early as October 2022.
Although the pair are still technically state advisors, the king has made a provision that means they will never be called upon.
With the Counselors of State Act 2022, the monarch added the Princess Royal and the Duke of Edinburgh to the list of state counselors.
Yet Lord True, Inaugural Seal and Leader of the Lords, confirmed in a statement on November 21, 2022 that in practical terms, only working members would be called upon to act as Charles's deputy.
Buckingham Palace has quietly sidelined Harry and Andrew, preventing them from replacing King Charles
Although the pair are still technically state advisors, the king has made a provision that means they will never be called upon
The Lord Privy Seal Lord True told colleagues: 'This Bill represents a practical solution and safeguard to ensure that the machinery of government can continue to exist.'
He stressed: 'The Royal Household has confirmed that practicing members of the Royal Family – working members – will be called upon to act as State Advisors and that diaries will be drawn up to make this practicable.
It's the latest humiliation for royal duo Harry and Andrew, who have both faced controversy in recent years.
The rule also means that Andrew's eldest daughter, Princess Beatrice, cannot act as a substitute for the king.
King Charles and Queen Camilla at church in Sandringham on Christmas Day last month
The Mail's Robert Hardman was the first to say the princes could be barred from serving as state advisers as early as October 2022.
If the monarch is absent for any reason, state affairs – such as the approval of most appointments and legislation – can be carried out by two state advisors.
In 2022, suggestions were made in the Lords to strip Harry and Andrew of their state advisers.
It comes as Harry is set to be inducted as a 'Living Legend of Aviation' on Friday at an awards ceremony hosted by John Travolta in Beverly Hills, California.
The Duke's work in setting up the Invictus Games Foundation will also be celebrated. It is not clear whether Harry or his wife Meghan will attend the glitzy awards.
Meanwhile, Prince Andrew has once again been linked to pedophile Jeffrey Epstein after numerous documents relating to the socialite were released.
MailOnline has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.