17 January 2024 , 16:24
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So far, King Charles has never needed to call on a fellow royal to stand in for him when he is abroad or undergoing any medical treatment, but he has seven people he can rely on.
Sixteen months into his reign, the royal could call on someone to deputise for him as he undergoes medical treatment for an enlarged prostate. Buckingham Palace has announced today that The King is to be treated in hospital next week.
There are currently seven counsellors of state - members of the royal family who can deputise for the monarch if he is abroad or unwell. This includes the Duke of Sussex, who lives in California after stepping down as a working royal, and the disgraced Duke of York.
Andrew is a counsellor of state - but is unlikely to be called upon (AFP via Getty Images)The royals who can stand in for the King are the Queen and the four most senior adults in the line of succession – Prince of Wales, Harry, Andrew and Princess Beatrice.
But it is thought that none of them will be asked to step in for the King next week while he is in hospital and then at home recovering, as the King plans to carry on working as usual
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Only "working members" of the royal family will be called upon to act as Counsellors of State - ruling Prince Andrew and Prince Harry out of the list. Instead, Princess Anne and Edward can be called upon to take their places. Both were previously counsellors of state before they were overtaken in the order of succession.
Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, withdrew from royal duties after his association with US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein became public. Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, lives with his family in the United States and has stepped back from being a "working royal". By law, counsellors of state are required to have a UK domicile, but Harry has no address here after stepping back from official duties.
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Earlier today, the Palace said Charles's condition was benign and he would be having a corrective procedure. His engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation.
The news came just an hour and a half after Kensington Palace announced that the Princess of Wales was recovering in hospital after undergoing abdominal surgery, and would be recuperating and away from official duties for up to three months.
Speaking about the King, Buckingham Palace said in a statement: "In common with thousands of men each year, the King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate.
"His Majesty's condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure. The King's public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation."
It is understood Charles was keen to share the details of his diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked in line with public health advice.