PRINCE Andrew has been allowed to keep an important royal role after his brother Charles became King.
The Duke of York was a Counsellor of State during the Queen’s reign, and he has been told he can continue to act as one for King Charles III.
Prince Andrew will remain as a Counsellor of State
He walked with other senior royals behind the Queen’s coffin today
It means he can step in for his older brother and perform duties temporarily if he was unable to “due to illness or absence abroad”.
Before Her Majesty’s passing, Charles, William, Harry and Andrew all held the position
He will retain the role despite “stepping back” from royal duties over his links to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Now, Princess Beatrice – the elder daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson – has also been given the role.
This is because she, William, Harry and Andrew are the top four people in the line of succession over the age of 21.
Queen Consort Camilla can also act in His Majesty’s absence.
In her new position, Beatrice will be authorised to carry out most of the official duties of the sovereign, according to the Royal Family website.
This includes attending Privy Council meetings, signing routine documents and receiving the credentials of new ambassadors to the UK.
She will not be delegated Commonwealth matters however, nor be able to create peers, appoint Prime Ministers or dissolve Parliament – unless under the King’s instruction.
It comes as Andrew stood alone at Queen’s service today despite joining the royal procession to Westminster.
Andrew was among royals walking behind King Charles III on foot for the emotional journey.
As the Royal Family walked into Westminster Hall, other key members of the procession had others by their sides.
The Duke of York, however, walked on his own as the Queen was taken to lie in state after a poignant procession.
- The list of 500 world leaders and dignitaries attending the funeral has been revealed
- King Charles was pictured arriving at Buckingham Palace ahead of today’s procession
- The Monarch’s staff were left heartbroken after being axed during a church service for the Queen
- Sophie Wessex is in line for a new title in a touching nod to her friendship with Her Majesty
- Prince William and Harry will walk behind the Queen’s coffin together today
- More than 100,000 people have launched a petition for an annual Bank Holiday in honour of Her Majesty
He and Harry were dressed in morning suits for the occasion after being blocked from wearing military uniforms.
Only working royals can dress in uniform at ceremonial occasions to mourn the late monarch.
Andrew stood out on Monday when he was the only one among his siblings not in uniform as they walked behind their mother’s coffin in Edinburgh.
Andrew, however, has been given the green light to wear military attire as “special mark of respect” for his late mother when he stands guard around her coffin during the Vigil of the Princes this week.
Princess Beatrice has also been given the role
