According to the Daily Mail, amid ongoing rumors about the Queen’s debilitating health, and in particular her recent COVID-19 diagnosis, the House of Commons Library published guidance on what should be done in the event the monarch cannot perform her royal duties. It’s thought this briefing paper might encourage the palace to take legal steps to clarify their position, especially since it’s believed Prince Harry should no longer be eligible to stand in for the Queen, since he’s been living in America for over a year.
Disgraced royal Prince Andrew could still, technically, provide cover if his mother became incapacitated, however, despite being forced to step down from royal duties and losing all titles and patronages over his sex abuse scandal, which was recently settled out of court. Currently, in the event a serving monarch falls ill or is out of the country, he or she can appoint Counsellors of State to handle official business in the interim. The listed Counsellors are Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince Harry, and Prince Andrew.
There’s been an ongoing debate about whether Harry or Andrew should still be considered viable “stand-ins” for the Queen. In fact, calls have been made to appoint Prince Edward and Prince Anne, the next two senior royals in line to the throne, instead. Buckingham Palace confirmed there was “no change” to the current list of potential candidates, and “no plans” to adjust it either, but only time will tell.
