Princess Beatrice has no duties for the royal family. When Queen Elizabeth dies and Prince Charles becomes King, that will change.
If the British monarch – currently Queen Elizabeth – is temporarily unable to perform his official duties as sovereign due to illness or absence abroad, two or more councilors of state are appointed to act in his place. The so-called Counselor of State can be the spouse of the monarch and the next four people in line to the throne. Requirement: You must be 21 years of age and be a UK citizen.
These royals can stand in for Queen Elizabeth
Prince Philip, 99, Prince Charles, 72, Prince William, 38, Prince Harry, 36, and Prince Andrew, 60, are currently available as counselors on State (the resignations of Harry and Andrew have no influence on the succession or the role as a potential Council of State). When the Queen dies, there will be movement in the group: Duchess Camilla, 72, will replace Philip and Princess Beatrice, 32, as the highest-ranking over-21-year-old for Prince Charles.
Princess Beatrice's royal job ends in 2034
The date on which Beatrice will resign as State Councilor has already been set: July 22, 2034, the 21st birthday of Prince George. Princess Charlotte follows on May 2, 2036, when Prince Andrew will retire as Counselor of State. Prince Louis reaches the milestone on April 23, 2039 and expels Prince Harry of the place. Thus, from April 23, 2039, only the direct descendants of Prince Charles will assume the important function of the Council of State (provided that all will be alive and meet the requirements on the deadline).
These are the duties of a Counselor of State
The Counselors of State are empowered to perform official duties of the monarch. For example, they may attend meetings of the monarch's political advisory council (privy councilor), sign papers and receive references from new ambassadors to the United Kingdom. However, a number of basic constitutional functions may not be delegated. This includes, for example, the appointment of a prime minister, the granting of titles of nobility or matters relating to the Commonwealth.
That's behind the rule
After King George VI, the Queen's father, ascended the throne in December 1936, the law on the Counselor of State was passed in 1937 – and thus a permanent solution was found for all future sovereigns, certain tasks in the event of short-term absence or illness to delegate five members of the council. Before 1937, such regulations were only made when they were necessary.
Source used: royal.uk
This article originally appeared on Gala.de.