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List of Royal members of the Privy Council facts for kids

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Victoria Privy Council (Wilke)
Queen Victoria leading her first Privy Council meeting in 1837. This painting is by David Wilkie.

The Privy Council is a group of important advisors to the King or Queen of the United Kingdom. Imagine it as a special committee that helps the monarch with official duties. Many members of the Royal Family have been part of this council over the centuries. They are appointed by the monarch to help make important decisions for the country.

This list shows royal family members who have joined the Privy Councils of England, Great Britain, and the United Kingdom. It covers appointments from 1679 until today. There was also a Privy Council of Ireland, but it is no longer active. Royal figures have also joined the King's Privy Council for Canada, which advises the Canadian monarch.

Royal Advisors Through the Centuries

Many kings and queens have appointed members of their own family to the Privy Council. This shows how important the council is. It also means that royal family members can learn about government and help with official duties.

Early Royal Appointments (1679–1760)

From the time of King Charles II to King George II, many royal family members became Privy Counsellors. These appointments helped connect the Royal Family directly with the government's work. For example, George Augustus, Prince of Wales (who later became King George II) was appointed in 1714. Later, his son, Frederick Louis, Prince of Wales, also joined in 1728.

George III and His Family (1760–1820)

George III had a very long reign, and during his time, many of his sons became Privy Counsellors. This was a way for them to be involved in the country's affairs. Some of his sons who joined included:

Queen Victoria's Era (1837–1901)

Queen Victoria appointed many royal family members during her long reign. This included her husband, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, who joined in 1840. Her eldest son, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII), was appointed in 1863. Other notable appointments included:

20th Century Royals (1901–1952)

In the 20th century, more royal family members continued to join the Privy Council. During the reign of George V, his sons, Edward, Prince of Wales (who briefly became King Edward VIII) and Prince Albert, Duke of York (who became King George VI), were appointed.

Under George VI, his daughter, The Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh, joined the council in 1951. She would become Queen Elizabeth II the following year. Her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, also joined in 1951.

Queen Elizabeth II's Reign (1952–2022)

Elizabeth II appointed many people to the Privy Council during her time as monarch. This included her own family members. Her son, Charles, Prince of Wales (now King Charles III), became a member in 1977. More recently, her grandson, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, joined in 2016. Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (now Queen Camilla) also became a member in 2016.

King Charles III (2022–present)

Charles III became King in 2022. He continues the tradition of the monarch being advised by the Privy Council.

Royal Members of the Privy Council of Ireland

The Privy Council of Ireland was a separate advisory body for the monarch concerning Ireland. It is now dormant, meaning it is no longer active. Some royal family members were also part of this council, including:

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List of Royal members of the Privy Council Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.