Prince Andrew and Prince Harry remain as Counsellors of State despite no longer working for the British Monarchy. While many urge Queen Elizabeth II to remove them from the office, a royal historian asserted that it is “unlikely.”

Speaking to Express UK, Marlene Koenig said that Parliament will not likely act to take away the roles of the two royal-born Princes. She explained that they have become counsellors because of the law, and she “sincerely doubts Parliament will change” the Regency Act 1937.

The expert continued that it is “incorrect” to think that one has to be a working royal to become a Counsellor of State. She clarified that the first four persons in line to the British Throne, who are at least 21 years of age, except for heirs who can become a counsellor upon reaching the age of 18, automatically become members of the CoS office.

Koenig, later on, emphasized that becoming and being a Counsellor of State does not take its grounds on “popularity” and media's or public's reception. So, in the case of Prince Harry and Prince Andrew, they remain as such because the Order of Precedence has not changed.

The royal historian noted, however, that it is “very unlikely” that the Duke of Sussex and Duke of York will be asked to step in as Counsellors of State today or in the near future. She pointed out that the two other members of the office are Prince William and Prince Charles, who are active as senior working royals, “can fulfill the duties” of the Queen if called upon.

The talks about the matter have seemingly emerged following the exit of Prince Harry and Prince Andrew from their positions as working royals. In addition, they have continued to face numerous controversies these past few years, causing many royal watchers to question the two royals’ posts as Counsellors of State.

Meanwhile, another pressing matter has recently surfaced as Queen Elizabeth II tested positive for COVID-19. The public first learned about the diagnosis on Sunday, although the condition is said to be “mild” with “cold-like symptoms.”

With this at hand, discussions about the Counsellors of State have, once again, become apparent across media platforms. A separate report from Express UK stated that this had added to the overall pressure from the public for the British Monarch to remove Prince Harry as Counsellor of State.

With regard to the potential replacements, there are reported speculations about Princess Anne and Prince Edward taking the roles from the Dukes of Sussex and York. But, these are mere suppositions, and the palace has yet to make new comments to address the latest concerns.