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As coronavirus continues to grip the nation, the Queen could be forced to give up her constitutional duties due to the Government’s plans for all over-70s to self-quarantine. There are usually five Counsellors of State on hand to fill-in for Her Majesty if she is unable to.

However, the coronavirus may force the Regency Act 1937 to create a sixth Counsellor, according to Royal Central. The current Counsellors of State are the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, the Duke of Sussex and the Duke of York. Two or more Counsellors of State have to be present at one time. Prince Charles is 71, meaning that he may also have to be quarantined along with Prince Phillip who is 98.

Princess Beatrice news: Royal to become ‘acting monarch’ as coronavirus demands Princess to step up

This role is likely to go to Princess Beatrice of York who is ninth in line

Prince Harry and Prince Andrew are no longer working royals but this does not mean that they cannot act as Counsellors of State. But it is likely it will be controversial if they take on the role. Prince William is likely to be the only Counsellor who is a working royal and is likely to remain out of self isolation. Counsellors of State are made up of the consort of the Queen and the first four people in the line of succession. READ MORE: Princess Beatrice wedding CANCELLED: When will Beatrice's wedding be?

Prince Charles is 71, meaning that he may also have to be quarantined

There are usually five Counsellors of State on hand to fill-in for Her Majesty

Prince William is likely to be the only Counsellor who is a working royal

Tasks undertaken by Counsellors and the sovereign include granting royal assent, issuing royal proclamations, appointing judges and Queen’s Counsel. However, it is likely that the Duke of York will most likely step up as Counsellor, even if he is a controversial choice given his recent links to convicted sex offender billionaire Jeffrey Epstein. Royal historian Marlene Koenig explained that extra Counsellors are needed but that it is unlikely to happen to Princess Beatrice. She said: “In 1944, when Lord Lascelles was a prisoner of war, he was briefly removed as a Counsellor of State and replaced with Princess Alexandra of Connaught.

Royal family tree

“However, this was not actually legal because the Regency Act does not allow for a replacement. “Lord Lascelles was taken prisoner in 1944. He had replaced the Countess of Southesk as a Counsellor on his 21st birthday a few months earlier. “Princess Elizabeth turned 18-years-old in April 1944 – and she replaced Princess Alexandra, the Countess Southesk’s older sister.

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