Although it remains unknown how long the King will be unable to fulfil his duties, he will need some time to recover so official engagements will be out of the question for a few weeks. But sources have indicated he will still perform his stately duties, so Counsellors of State won’t be required.
Due to the Prince of Wales being unable to stand in for the King, many have speculated who could hold down the fort whilst the King makes a recovery.
According to an article posted by OK!, Princess Anne – who is often deemed the most hard-working royal – and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh all have very busy schedules so will be unable to help out.
“There’s no way that Anne, Edward or Sophie can stand in for the King as they are already booked up for the next few months,” the source said. “That’s why Beatrice is being considered to pick up the slack. Anne is working like a shire horse. She’s got a visit to Save the Children, events planned in a military capacity and other duties scheduled.
“The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh also have a packed diary with visits to community projects in Surrey and are holding a reception at St. James’s Palace. Many other engagements are also scheduled over the coming months.”
This means extended family will have to help out, and one royal is said to have been asked to step up – Princess Beatrice.
A well-placed source told the magazine that, following the shock announcements, Beatrice has been asked to “be on hand” to fill in for Princess Kate.
Princess Beatrice, who is the fourth royal over the age of 21 in the line of succession, is an official Counsellor of State.
The source said: “Beatrice has been told to be on hand over the next few months in case there are any engagements she needs to attend.
“This is a role that she undertakes in an official capacity, not one that has been thought up at the last minute to fill a gap.”
