LONDON | Charles III is preparing to change British law to prevent Princes Harry and Andrew, withdrawn from the royal family, from taking over when he is sick or abroad, local media reported on Thursday.

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According to a 1937 law, the monarch can be replaced for certain tasks, such as the signing of official documents during his absence by his husband or wife and by the first four adults in the order of succession.

For Charles, they are Queen Consort Camilla, her sons William and Harry, her brother Andrew and her niece Beatrice.

But Harry walked away from the royal family and moved to the United States after tensions with his brother and father. Prince Andrew was deprived of any role with the "Royals" after accusations of sexual assault. Beatrice, eldest daughter, of Andrew, is not a “working” member of the royal family.

To prevent one of the two fallen princes from having to act as the king - especially when he is traveling with Camilla and William is also abroad - the list of people who can replace him should be expanded, according to several media , to include Princess Anne and Prince Edward, sister and brother of Charles III.

This solution makes it possible not to use Harry and Andrew without formally excluding them.

According to the Telegraph, a change in the law could take place “in the next few weeks” and is “a logical step” before Charles and Camilla’s planned overseas trips in 2023.

Buckingham Palace did not react but the subject was raised in the House of Lords on Monday, with MP Stephen Benn wondering if it was “not time to discuss with the king an amendment” of the law .

“Or does the situation suit the government” with a prince “who has left public life” and another “who has left the country”?

“The government will always study the necessary arrangements,” replied Conservative Lord Nicholas True, stressing that the accession to the throne of a monarch was a good opportunity to re-examine the text.

During the interim, the “state advisers” can perform most of the official obligations of the sovereign (sign documents, receive ambassadors, hold meetings).

Prior to the death of Elizabeth II in September, Charles had stood in for her on numerous occasions, including during the very solemn Speech from the Throne to Parliament in May.