Prince Andrew Could Become Counsellor Of State After Resignation, Could Wield Queen’s Power

Prince Andrew may have retired from his public duties, but this doesn’t mean that his duty to the royal family and the United Kingdom ended for good.

According to Express, the Duke of York may be named as a Counsellor of State, and he could still wield the monarch’s power if the Queen will give him an important position.

The Cabinet Manual published in 2011 reveals what could happen if the Queen becomes unwell or is unable to fulfill her duties. A Regency is put in place if the Queen becomes incapacitated for a long time, but there’s a different set of rules if the Queen becomes temporarily debilitated.

“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. These are currently the Sovereign’s spouse and the four nearest in line to the throne,” the rule states.

Two or more Counselors of State may take on the monarch’s functions but they won’t be allowed to grant any rank, title, or dignity of the peerage. The first possible Counselors of State may include Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince Harry, and Prince Andrew because they are the five closest-ranking royals to the Queen.

Even though Prince George and Prince Louis are ranked before their uncle Prince Harry and grandfather Prince Andrew, they are not over 18 years old. If Prince Philip dies before the Queen, Prince Edward could also be named as a Counselor of State.

Earlier this month, the Duke of York released a statement announcing his retirement from his public duties. But the dad of two hinted on the possibility of his retirement not being permanent. But according to Daily Mail, Prince Charles wants Prince Andrew to retire for good to avoid disrupting the royal family.