The Regency Act of 1937 allows for five people to stand in for the monarch. They are the monarch’s spouse and the four heirs in line of succession who are aged over 21. In his or her majesty’s absence through illness or travel, these Counsellors of State can sign documents, receive ambassadors, attend meetings of the Privy Council and perform other official duties. His status as a Counsellor was what enabled Charles, then Prince of Wales, to open the current session of Parliament in his mother’s absence in May.
Since the accession of King Charles III in September, the five counsellors are: Camilla, the Queen Consort; Prince William, the Prince of Wales; Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex; Prince Andrew, Duke of York and his daughter,
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