King asks for amendment to Regency Act to ensure Princes Andrew and Harry never step in

The King has formally asked Parliament to create two additional counsellors of state as he moves to ensure the Duke of York and the Duke of Sussex will never be called upon to deputise for him.

The request for an amendment to the Regency Act will allow his siblings, the Earl of Wessex and the Princess Royal, to act as official stand-ins, should the need arise.

By opting to create additional counsellors rather than relieve Prince Harry and Prince Andrew of their duties is thought to have been made to help to keep the family peace.

The message from the King, “signed by His Majesty’s own hand”, was read to the House of Lords by Lord Chamberlain, Lord Parker of Minsmere, former head of MI5, who is the most senior official in the royal household.

“To ensure continued efficiency of public business when I’m unavailable, such as while I’m undertaking official duties overseas, I can confirm that I would be most content should Parliament see fit for the number of people who may be called upon to act as CoS under the terms of the Regency Act 1937-1953  to be increased to include my sister and brother, the Princess Royal and the Earl of Wessex and Forfar, both of whom have previously undertaken this role,” it said.

There were approving shouts of “hear, hear” from the red benches.

The same message was also read out in the House of Commons by speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle. Penny Mordaunt, Leader of the House, said MPs would be given the chance to consider a response to the message.

“There will be legislation relating to this message for the House to consider in due course,” she added.

“Should the House agree to the humble address as first business tomorrow, that legislation will provide a proper opportunity to debate the matter that has been raised.”

The move will effectively sideline Prince Harry and Prince Andrew, one of whom opted to leave the official working Royal family and the other who was effectively sacked, without causing undue humiliation.

The monarch can appoint two counsellors of state to conduct official business in their absence using letters patent.

Under the Regency Acts of 1937 and 1953, they are the spouse of a monarch and the next four in line to the throne aged over 21.

This currently means the Queen Consort, the Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, Prince Andrew and Princess Beatrice, only two of whom are working royals.

However, the incongruity of Harry or Andrew being called upon to sign documents or receive the credentials of new ambassadors at Buckingham Palace has long raised eyebrows.

The King acted swiftly to ensure controversy would never arise, making the amendment to the law one of his first duties as monarch.

The issue was raised in Parliament for the first time last month, putting pressure on Buckingham Palace to act.

Labour peer Viscount Stansgate, son of party grandee Tony Benn, suggested in the House of Lords that it was the right moment to discuss “a sensible amendment” with the King.