Counsellors of State

In the event that The King cannot undertake his official duties as Sovereign on a temporary basis due to illness or absence abroad, two or more Counsellors of State are appointed by Letters Patent to act in His Majesty's place.

Counsellors of State

By law, Counsellors of State include the Sovereign's spouse and the next four people in the line of succession who are over the age of 21.

Counsellors of State are authorised to carry out most of the official duties of the Sovereign, for example, attending Privy Council meetings, signing routine documents and receiving the credentials of new ambassadors to the United Kingdom. However, there are a number of core constitutional functions that may not be delegated:

  • Commonwealth matters
  • The dissolving of Parliament, except on His Majesty's express instruction
  • The creation of peers
  • Appointing a Prime Minister

History of Counsellors of State

The position of Counsellor of State was provided for in 1937 under the terms of the Regency Act. Prior to 1937, Regency Acts were drafted and passed only in necessity. As such, there had been nine separate Regency Acts to cover various eventualities since 1728. Shortly after George VI came to the throne in 1936, a new Regency Act was passed which provided a rule for all future reigns. It was at this time that the new office of Counsellor of State was created to cover short term absences where a regency would be unnecessary.

Current Counsellors of State

Counsellors of State are appointed from among the four adults next in succession (provided they have reached the age of 21).

The current Counsellors of State are The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Sussex, The Duke of York and Princess Beatrice.

Related content

Opening the new Churchill Museum in London, 10 February 2005

It was the unique quality of his leadership that so inspired the British nation and free peoples throughout the world.

10 February 2005
Press release 10 February 2005

Engagement of The Prince of Wales

Read more

Christmas Broadcast 2004

Everyone is our neighbour, no matter what race, creed or colour.

25 December 2004

Presentation of a Royal Charter to the University of Manchester, 22 October 2004

In creating this new institution, you are building on a rich academic heritage and a fine tradition of excellence in both teaching and research.

22 December 2004

State Banquet, President of the Republic of Korea, 1 December 2004

I was struck by the spirit of the Korean people, and their determination to overcome adversity

01 December 2004
Press release 30 November 2004

Prince Harry's entry into Sandhurst - an update

Read more

A speech by The Queen to Parliament in Düsseldorf, 2004

I depart with renewed confidence in the deep friendship between our two countries.

04 November 2004

Visit to Potsdam, German State Visit, 3 November 2004

I am pleased that Britain continues to play an active role in promoting Brandenburg's prosperity.

03 November 2004

State Banquet held in the Zeughaus, Berlin, Germany, 2 November 2004

Each time I return to Berlin I marvel at the changes.

02 November 2004
Press release 01 November 2004

Arrangements for the funeral of Princess Alice

Read more

Opening of the new Scottish Parliament building, Edinburgh, 9 October 2004

We meet in a remarkably open and transparent chamber, where this Parliament sits in the round in European fashion.

09 October 2004
Press release 24 September 2004

Prince Harry has passed his Regular Commissions Board (RCB)

Read more
Press release 21 September 2004

Royal visit to Canada in 2005 announced

Read more
Press release 29 July 2004

Korean State Visit announced for December 2004

Read more

A speech by The Queen at the opening of a memorial fountain to the late Diana, Princess of Wales

You have given the Park, at the very heart of our capital city that Diana knew so well, a highly original memorial which captures something of the essence of a remarkable...

06 July 2004

60th anniversary D-Day commemoration in Arromanches, 6 June 2004

I take it upon myself to express the immense debt of gratitude we owe to you all. I salute you, and thank you on behalf of our whole nation.

06 June 2004

Official commemoration of the 60th anniversary of D-Day in France, 6 June 2004

The sixtieth anniversary of the Normandy Landings is a moment for thanksgiving, and a moment of commemoration.

06 June 2004
Press release 26 May 2004

Official ceremonies to commemorate D-Day

Read more

Osborne House, Isle of Wight, centenary of being open to the public, 19 May 2004

The Isle of Wight is well known for its hospitality, and the warmth of your welcome today is greatly appreciated.

19 May 2004

State Banquet, Buckingham Palace, President of Poland, 5 May 2004

We both look forward with optimism as partners working closely together for a stronger more effective Europe.

05 May 2004
Press release 23 April 2004

Winner of The Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry 2004

Read more

Lunch at the Hotel Matignon, Paris, 6 April 2004

I ask you to join me in a toast to the French Republic, to the President and to the prosperity of its regions and cities.

16 April 2004

Visit to Toulouse, State Visit, France, 7 April 2004

It is fitting that my visit to France should end with this impressive example of Franco-British and European co-operation.

07 April 2004

Hôtel De Ville in Toulouse, French State Visit, 7 April 2004

Links between Britain and Toulouse have existed over many centuries.

07 April 2004

French Senate, State Visit to France, 6 April 2004

Democracy is the most precious gift we have and we can never take it for granted.

06 April 2004

Centenary of the Entente Cordiale, State Banquet, Paris, 5 April 2004

Vive la difference, mais vive L'Entente Cordiale.

05 April 2004
Press release 07 March 2004

New Master of The Queen's Music

Read more
Press release 03 March 2004

Prince Harry works on community projects in Lesotho

Read more

Christmas Broadcast 2003

Separation at this time is especially hard to bear.

25 December 2003
Press release 12 December 2003

Update on The Queen's progress following her knee operation

Read more
Press release 09 December 2003

The Queen will have a minor operation on her left knee

Read more
Press release 30 November 2003

New appointments to the Order of the Thistle

Read more

State Banquet, President of the United States of America, 19 November 2003

We share the confidence - and the courage - to try and make this a more prosperous, a safer, and above all a freer world.

19 November 2003

Opening of the new Australian War Memorial, London, 11 November 2003

Twice within the span of a single generation, Australia and Britain stood side by side in two of the bloodiest wars in human history.

11 November 2003
Press release 07 November 2003

The Queen to visit Nigeria for CHOGM

Read more

Opening of the exhibition 'Women and War', Imperial War Museum, 14 October 2003

Over the two World Wars and in the many conflicts since then, women in Britain and throughout the Commonwealth have faced and overcome all manner of challenges.

14 October 2003
Press release 09 October 2003

Venue for the Royal Maundy Service in 2004 announced

Read more
Press release 08 October 2003

Details of The Queen's knee operation

Read more
Press release 25 September 2003

State Visit by the President of the United States of America

Read more