King Charles’ request to widen the circle of Counsellors of State is an attempt from the monarch “to sideline Princess Beatrice,” according to the Daily Express’ Royal Correspondent.
The King has sought to add his siblings, Princess Anne and Prince Edward, to the existing Counsellors, which include the Queen Consort, Prince William, Harry, Andrew, and Beatrice.
Discussing the move, Mr Palmer said: “There would be uproar if Harry or Andrew did it.
“Harry is abroad so he couldn’t do it anyway. You need to be in the country.
“As for Beatrice, I think the purpose of this legislation is to sideline all three of them – Harry, Andrew, and Beatrice.”
Charles asked Parliament to create two new Counsellors of State to deputise for him (Image: GETTY)
Charles asked Parliament to create two new Counsellors of State to deputise for him (Image: GETTY)
He continued: “Beatrice hasn’t done anything wrong.
“But she has said she doesn’t want to be a full-time working royal, that she wanted a career.
“I would be surprised if she ever performs the role after this.”
Mr Palmer also suggested that William’s trip to the US this month may have factored into the urgency of the decision.
Beatrice appeared in public last week when she took part in Armistice Day ceremonies (Image: GETTY)
The royal correspondent said: “Clearly, one factor may be that William and Kate are going to the US at the end of this month.
“That may have affected the decision-making because if [the King] suddenly fell ill or was indisposed in some way, then William would have to come straight back from the US and cut short his visit.
“There have to be two Counsellors of State, as we know, so [William] would have had to ask someone else to stand in.”
Charles said the aim of the increase was to “ensure the continued efficiency of public business when I am unavailable”.
It is thought any changes to legislation to increase the number of counsellors would be completed later this year before the prospect of the King and Queen Consort going on overseas tours in 2023.
Prince Harry and Prince Andrew will not be called to deputise for Charles in his absence (Image: GETTY)
Meanwhile, Beatrice appeared in public last week when she took part in Armistice Day ceremonies.
She stepped out alongside her sister Princess Eugenie at the Royal British Legion Industries charity.
Eugenie and Beatrice placed a wreath and met staff members and veterans at the charity, which helps the veteran community with employment, homes and welfare support.
Source: EXPRESS CO UK
