King Charles asks UK parliament to allow Princess Anne and Prince Edward to act in his place
ABCKing Charles III has asked UK parliament to allow his sister Princess Anne and youngest brother Prince Edward to stand in for him. Key points: There are currently five counsellors of state They include Princes Andrew and Harry, neither of whom carry out official royal roles any more The change will require parliament to amend the terms of the regency act In a statement read out on his behalf in the House of Lords, the King, who on Monday turned 74, asked for the law to be amended to allow his sister and youngest brother to also become counsellors of state. As well as Camilla, the Queen Consort, and Prince William, the group includes Prince Andrew's eldest daughter Princess Beatrice, and princes Andrew and Harry. "To ensure continued efficiency of public business when I'm unavailable, such as while I'm undertaking official duties overseas, I confirm that I would be most content should parliament see fit for the number of people who may be called upon to act as Counsellors of State … to be increased to include my sister and brother," the king's statement said.