Counsellor of State
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Counsellors of State are senior members of the British royal family to whom the monarch can delegate royal functions through letters patent under the Great Seal, to prevent delay or difficulty in the dispatch of public business in the case of their illness or of their intended or actual absence from the United Kingdom.
As Counsellors of State, Charles, Prince of Wales, and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, opened Parliament in May 2022 on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II.
Image: Queen Elizabeth Bowes Lyon in Coronation Robes by Sir Gerald Kelly (cropped)
Image: Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester
Image: Prince George, Duke of Kent
British royal family
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The British royal family comprises King Charles III and his close relations. There is no strict legal or formal definition of who is or is not a member, although the Royal Household has issued different lists outlining who is a part of the royal family. Members often support the monarch in undertaking public engagements, and pursue charitable work and interests. Members of the royal family are regarded as British and world cultural icons.
The royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the annual Trooping the Colour parade in 2023. From left to right: Timothy Laurence; Anne, Princess Royal; Prince George; Prince Louis, situated in front of Catherine, Princess of Wales; Princess Charlotte, situated in front of William, Prince of Wales; King Charles III; Queen Camilla; Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh; Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh; Prince Edward, Duke of Kent; Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester;
The King and Queen
The Prince and Princess of Wales
The Princess Royal