The suitability of Prince Harry and Prince Andrew to deputise for the King on official duties has been questioned in the House of Lords.
The pair - along with the Queen Consort Camilla, Prince William and Princess Beatrice - are "counsellors of state". This means they can step in for the King to perform important constitutional duties if Charles is sick or out of the country.
But Viscount Stansgate challenged the logic behind Harry and Andrew continuing in these roles considering the former quit his full-time royal duties and lives in the US and the latter has "left public life". The peer suggested a "sensible amendment" to the arrangement would be appropriate.
Liberal Democrat peer Lord Addington argued that working royals should be prioritised for such roles. He said they should be carried out by "somebody who actually undertakes royal duties".
Responding, the Lord Privy Seal, Lord True, said he would not comment on "specific circumstances". He added that the Royal Household would have to have a say on any such amendment.
BBC News reported that Lord True told peers: "The government will always consider what arrangements are needed to ensure resilience in our constitutional arrangements. And in the past we have seen that the point of accession has proved a useful opportunity to consider the arrangements in place."
The Regency Act states that the positions are held by the monarch's spouse and the next four in line to the throne aged over 21. Their duties can include signing documents, receiving ambassadors or attending Privy Council meetings in the head of state's absence.
The law enabled the then Prince of Wales to deputise for his mother at the State Opening of Parliament earlier this year. But Viscount Stansgate said the act should be updated in order to reflect the current situation.
The Labour peer, whose father was veteran politician Tony Benn, urged the Government to approach the King about amending the existing arrangements. The Cabinet Office would be responsible for changing the law and a spokeswoman referred back to the comments of the Lord Privy Seal.
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