Surprising twist for Princess Beatrice following the Queen's death

Princess Beatrice has received a major promotion within the royal family following the passing of her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.

The 34-year-old daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, who has rarely performed official royal duties, is now a Counsellor of State, which means she can now represent King Charles III in the event of "illness or absence abroad".

There are only a small group of senior royals who are Counsellors of State, with Beatrice joining her cousins Prince William and Prince Harry, as well as her father Prince Andrew.

All Counsellors of State are the highest candidates in the royal line of succession who are over the age of 21, and with Charles becoming King, Beatrice moved up to ninth in line to the throne, and the fourth in line over 21.

The King's wife Queen Consort Camilla is also able to fill in for Charles, even though she is not in the line of succession.

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Given the fact Andrew has been barred from royal duties following sexual abuse allegations, and that Harry lives in the US, it's likely Beatrice will be the first to step in for Charles after William.

The new line of succession is as follows: Prince William, his children Prince George, nine, Princess Charlotte, seven, and Prince Louis, four, followed by Prince Harry and his children Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, three, and Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor, one, and then Princess Beatrice and her daughter Sienna Mapelli Mozzi.

The Queen's passing was confirmed on September 8, by Buckingham Palace. She was the longest-serving monarch in British history.

King Charles delivers emotional tribute to the Queen

In an emotional tribute, Charles of his "beloved mother" during his first speech as King.

"I speak to you today with feelings of profound sorrow," King Charles said.

"Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen – my beloved mother – was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example.

"Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing.

"That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today."

He finished his speech by directing his final words to his mother, saying, "And to my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: thank you.

"Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years.

"May 'flights of angels sing thee to thy rest'."

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