The Duchess of Cornwall could lead the way for Kate Middleton to be added to the Counsellors of State in a “slimming down” of the monarchy, according to a royal expert.

It is believed that Prince Charles’ wife Camila could be added earlier as the heir apparent’s spouse rather than having non-working royals removed.

The potential move would set a precedent that could allow the Duchess of Cambridge to be added to the Counsellors of State.

According to law, the Counsellors of State are the Sovereign's spouse and the next four people in the line of succession, but all have to be over the age of 21.

Currently, Prince Harry, Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Andrew are the four people who form the Queen’s Counsellors of State.

Royal expert Gertrude Daly, host of Gert's Royal podcast, believes adding Camilla would be the easiest option to have more working royals as Counsellors of State.

If the decision is made to add Camila, it could also see Kate added to the role to replace Charles rather than the next line in succession, which would be Princess Beatrice.

Gertrude told the Daily Star: “If they did want to add someone to the Counsellors of State, what may be easier than removing Prince Andrew and Prince Harry, is to include the heir apparent’s spouse as a Counsellors of State.

“Since Duchess Camilla is already going to be added, during Prince Charles’s reign, it could make sense to add her now. This would also set a precedence so that Duchess Kate could be added during Prince Charles’ reign, as the then heir apparent’s spouse.”

Counsellors of State are authorised to carry out official duties when the Queen is not available to fulfil her duties, such as illness.

The duties include attending Privy Council meetings, signing routine documents and receiving the credentials of new ambassadors to the United Kingdom.

The Queen still has a final say in certain matters such as Commonwealth matters, dissolving Parliament, creation of peers and appointing a Prime Minister.

To get more royal stories from Daily Star delivered straight to your inbox sign up for one of our free newsletters here.

Gertrude believes the monarchy may be looking to make changes to the Counsellors of State process, which was passed under the Regency Act in 1936, as the line of succession could see more non-working royals in the position in the future.

She added: “As The British Monarchy is slimming down in future, it may be much more common in future generations for the third or fourth adult in the line of Succession to be a non-working royal. Including the Heir’s spouse would increase the number of Counsellors of State who are working royals.”

Buckingham Palace has been contacted for comment.

Source: Read Full Article