Queen Elizabeth Gives Prince William a New Role Following Harry and Meghan's Move to Canada

From Town & Country

As Harry and Meghan finalize their plans to step back from their positions as senior royals, Prince William is taking on more responsibility within the family. This weekend, it was announced that Queen Elizabeth has appointed her grandson the Lord High Commissioner to represent the Sovereign at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 2020.

Every year, the Queen appoints someone to attend the General Assembly on her behalf. The appointee traditionally makes the opening and closing speeches at the event, and later reports back to the monarch on its proceedings.

For those unfamiliar, the Church of Scotland's website describes the General Assembly as "the supreme court of the Church of Scotland" and says that it "meets annually to hear reports from the councils and committees, make laws and set the agenda for the national Church."

All of the Queen's children (Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward) have been appointed to the role of Lord High Commissioner in the past, with the Princess Royal having held the position twice, but this is the first time Prince William has received the honor.

Over the course of the General Assembly, which will take place in May this year, William will stay at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. During his time there, he will receive a guard of honor, a 21-gun salute, and the keys to the City of Edinburgh.

Per Hello, Kate, who is known as the Countess of Strathearn in Scotland, "is likely to join him at least part of the week."

While the Queen is the "Supreme Governor" of the Church of England, the British monarch does not hold that position in the Church of Scotland.

But the royal family's website explains that: "Monarchs have sworn to maintain the Church of Scotland since the sixteenth century."

"We are honoured that her Majesty has appointed Prince William as Lord High Commissioner," Reverend Dr George Whyte, the Principal Clerk of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said in a statement.

"We look forward to welcoming His Royal Highness to the General Assembly."

You Might Also Like

• 12 Weekend Getaway Spas For Every Type of Occasion

• What Your Favorite Champagne Brand Says About You

• Beauty Gurus Share Their Makeup Secrets for Older Women