King Charles III to Revamp Royal Duties, Prince Harry’s Role at Stake Amid Queen Elizabeth’s Funeral

Amid preparations for Queen Elizabeth's funeral, King Charles III is reportedly considering a significant change in the royal protocol.

The monarch is said to be planning to amend a law that would require his official stand-ins to be active members of the royal family.

Currently, the law permits the first four adults in the line of succession to act as councillors of state in the absence of the reigning monarch.

This provision could potentially allow Prince Harry and Prince Andrew to serve as King Charles' substitutes.

However, sources suggest that King Charles III is eager to alter this arrangement.

The existing 1937 Regency Act stipulates that the spouse of the monarch and the subsequent four adults in line to the throne can step in as councillors of state if necessary.

Although such appointments are rare, they do occur.

Notably, in a recent instance, Queen Elizabeth II had Prince Charles and Prince William represent her at the state opening of Parliament.

Prince Harry and Prince Andrew were also listed as potential councillors of state.

As it stands, the current top four successors are Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Andrew, and Princess Beatrice, Andrew's daughter.

Recognizing the potential anomaly of having inactive royals poised to assume critical roles in his absence, King Charles III is keen on swift legislative adjustments.

His aim is to elevate his brother, Prince Edward, and his sister, Princess Anne, to eligible positions.

Moreover, there is speculation that the law could be modified to permit individuals outside the direct line of succession, such as Kate Middleton, Prince William's wife, to serve as councillors of state.

Any alteration to the law would necessitate approval from the Houses of Parliament.

Historically, changes to royal laws have been proposed by members of Parliament in response to formal messages from the monarch.

In 1953, Queen Elizabeth II advocated for a modification that would designate Prince Philip as regent if a minor ascended the throne.

The proposal was subsequently presented to Parliament by Sir David Maxwell Fyfe, the Home Secretary at the time.

Following Queen Elizabeth II's recent passing at the age of 96, King Charles III, aged 73, assumed the throne.

The queen's funeral is scheduled for Monday, with Prince William and Kate Middleton's children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, set to participate in the procession alongside other members of the royal family.

In a heartfelt statement ahead of the funeral, King Charles III expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and condolences received from around the world.

He acknowledged the overwhelming response from individuals who paid tribute to his late mother's lifelong service.

The funeral proceedings will see Prince Harry and Meghan Markle following behind Prince William and Middleton's children, with King Charles and Camilla leading the somber procession.

Queen Elizabeth will be laid to rest at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, with the ceremony commencing at 11 a.m. GMT, 6 a.m. EST.

Following reports that Prince Harry was emotionally affected by the removal of the queen's initials from his military uniform, contrasting with Prince Andrew retaining his royal cipher, concerns have arisen about potential rifts within the royal family.

A source close to Prince Harry expressed his distress over feeling excluded and the perceived intentional act of removing his grandmother's initials.

The unfolding events surrounding the funeral and associated protocols have added a layer of complexity to an already tumultuous period for the royal family.