Privy Council facts for kids

The Privy Council is a group of important advisors to the Monarch (the King or Queen). Think of it like a special team that helps the monarch make big decisions for the country.

In countries like the United Kingdom and Canada, the Privy Council still plays a role today.

• The Privy Council of the United Kingdom
• The Queen's Privy Council for Canada
• The Privy Council of Northern Ireland

What is a Privy Council?

A Privy Council is a group of people who advise the monarch. The word "privy" means "private" or "secret." So, historically, these were private advisors to the King or Queen. They helped the monarch with important matters of state, like making laws or deciding on policies.

History of the Privy Council

Privy Councils have existed for a very long time, going back to the Middle Ages. In the past, monarchs had a lot of power, and their advisors helped them manage the kingdom. Over centuries, as countries developed democracy, the power of the monarch became less direct. Many of the Privy Council's old jobs were taken over by parliaments and elected governments.

However, the Privy Council still exists in some countries, especially those that are part of the Commonwealth of Nations and have the British monarch as their head of state.

The Privy Council in the United Kingdom

The Privy Council of the United Kingdom is one of the oldest parts of the British government. Even though the monarch's power is now mostly symbolic, the Privy Council still has important duties.

Who are the Privy Counsellors?

Members of the Privy Council are called Privy Counsellors. Most of them are senior politicians, including all members of the Cabinet, leaders of major political parties, and senior judges. They are appointed for life by the monarch. When someone becomes a Privy Counsellor, they take an oath to advise the monarch faithfully and keep council matters secret.

What does it do today?

Today, the Privy Council mostly deals with formal matters. It approves orders and proclamations made by the King or Queen on the advice of the government. For example, it might approve new laws, declare official holidays, or make appointments. The full council rarely meets. Instead, a smaller group of ministers, usually three or four, meets with the monarch to approve these decisions.

The Privy Council in Canada

Canada also has its own Privy Council, called the Queen's Privy Council for Canada. Its role is similar to the one in the UK.

Most members of the Canadian Cabinet are also members of the Privy Council. They advise the Governor General (who represents the monarch in Canada) on government decisions. Like in the UK, the Privy Council in Canada helps to formally approve government actions and appointments.

See also

In Spanish: Consejo privado para niños