Prince Andrew’s and Prince Harry’s ability to temporarily step in for the King has been called into question in the House of Lords.
The royals are two of the King’s five counsellors of state, who are authorised by law to carry out official duties for the monarch if he is unwell or travelling abroad.
Counsellors of state include the sovereign’s spouse and the next four people in the line of succession who are over the age of 21.
During a sitting in the House of Lords, Viscount Stansgate asked if there were any plans to amend the Regency Act, where these provisions are laid out, now the Duke of York has “left public life” and the Duke of Sussex has “left the country”.
He asked if it was time for the government to approach the King to see if a “sensible amendment” can be made.
His comments were backed up by Liberal Democrat Lord Addington, who suggested the first counsellor option should be someone who “actually undertakes royal duties or at least some of them”.
“Can the…
