The royals King Charles could ask to stand in for him after enlarged prostate treatment
The Counsellors of State may yet be called upon as King Charles will need to rest and recover after a planned operation.
King Charles is taking time off from royal duty as he went into hospital this morning, January 26, to undergo a routine procedure to treat his enlarged prostate.
Although he is looking to get back to work as soon as possible and has even been working during his pre-operation rest period at Sandringham, there may be a need for other working members of the Royal Family to step up.
There are currently seven official Counsellors of State who can theoretically be called on to carry out engagements on the King's behalf while he is unwell or otherwise indisposed.
Traditionally the Counsellors of State include the spouse of the monarch and the next four adults over the age of 21 in the line of succession.
This would be Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Andrew and Princess Beatrice, although the latter is not a working royal and has her own job outside the family.
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Harry and Andrew too are no longer working royals, with the Duke of York unlikely to ever make a return to public life following his dealings with Jeffrey Epstein.
Meanwhile Harry and his wife Meghan Markle are raising their two young children in Montecito, California, and have been estranged from the royals ever since they quit the UK.
Consequently in 2022 two more royals, Princess Anne and Prince Edward, were added to the list of Counsellors who could act for the King, bringing the total up to seven.
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In reality though only Camilla, Anne and Edward will be readily available to help out as the Prince of Wales is taking time out to care for his children while Princess Kate is unwell.
On Friday morning the King arrived at the London Clinic in Marylebone, the same hospital where Kate is recovering after major abdominal surgery.
A statement from Buckingham Palace read: "The King was this morning admitted to a London hospital for scheduled treatment.
"His Majesty would like to thank all those who have sent their good wishes over the past week and is delighted to learn that his diagnosis is having a positive impact on public health awareness."
The King has been praised for his openness about his diagnosis, while little is known about Kate's condition other than it is not related to cancer.
A statement from Kensington Palace acknowledged that while the Princess understands the interest in her health, she has asked for privacy for her and her family at this time.
Kate is expected to be discharged from hospital at some point over the next few days, and she will then continue her recuperation at home in Windsor.