Prince Andrew stepped down from his royal duties following a scandalous interview with BBC Newsnight last month. The Duke of York’s name was dragged into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s scandal, and although his withdrawal was never elaborated, it was speculated that the main reason behind his decision was to save the royal family from more embarrassment.
Now, despite Prince Andrew’s resignation, a report revealed that he is still entitled to an important position in the government. However, the Duke of York could only wield royal power if Queen Elizabeth becomes unwell or unable to fulfill her duties as a monarch.
“When the Sovereign is absent from the country for a short period or temporarily incapacitated or for some definite cause not available, his or her functions are delegated to Counsellors of State,” the Cabinet Manual, published in October 2011, states. “These are currently the Sovereign’s spouse and the four nearest in line to the throne. Two or more Counsellors of State may exercise any of the functions of the Sovereign except the powers to grant any rank, title or dignity of the peerage, or to signify Royal Assent to any amendment to the Act of Settlement 1700 or Royal Style and Titles.”
The five Counsellors of State include Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince Harry, and Prince Andrew. Although Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, and Archie Mountbatten-Windsor are much closer to the throne than the Duke of York, the rules state that a royal should be at least 18 years old to be a part of the Counsellors of State.
So when the time comes that Queen Elizabeth became unwell and needed the Counsellors of State to temporarily take over for her, Prince Andrew is obliged to do his responsibilities of state despite the fact that he already stepped down from his royal duties.
Meanwhile, a royal expert claims that the Duke of York’s resignation will have an impact on Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle.
With one royal family member out, the royal fab four will be facing more workload. “Andrew will be banned from all of these events. So, you know, you might see William, Kate, Harry and Meghan involved in this,” Daily Mirror’s royal editor Russell Myers said in the podcast Pod Save the Queen. “They will be lumbered with a lot more work, you’d imagine. He was a patron of 230-odd charities, it is an awful lot.”
