Legal Definitions - privy councillor

A Privy Councillor (abbreviated as P.C.) is an individual appointed by the monarch to serve as a member of the Privy Council. This council is a formal advisory body to the Sovereign, primarily in the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth realms. Members are typically senior politicians, judges, or other distinguished public figures, and their appointment is for life. While the Privy Council's direct influence on policy has diminished over time, its members are bound by an oath of secrecy and hold an honorific title, often advising on matters of state, approving Orders in Council, and sometimes serving on its Judicial Committee.

• Example 1: A former Prime Minister

  When a former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, having served their term, is subsequently appointed to the Privy Council, they become a Privy Councillor. This appointment is a recognition of their significant public service and allows them to continue advising the monarch on certain state matters, even if their active political role has ended. They are then entitled to use the post-nominal letters "P.C." after their name.

  This illustrates the term because the former Prime Minister is now a member of the formal advisory body to the Sovereign, fulfilling the definition of a Privy Councillor by virtue of their appointment and ongoing advisory capacity.

• Example 2: A senior judge

  A highly respected judge from the Supreme Court might be appointed as a Privy Councillor. In this capacity, they could serve on the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, which acts as the final court of appeal for several independent Commonwealth countries, Crown dependencies, and UK overseas territories. Their expertise in law is then utilized to hear and decide complex legal cases.

  This example demonstrates the role of a Privy Councillor by showing how a distinguished legal professional becomes a member of the Privy Council, contributing their specialized knowledge to one of its key functions – judicial review and appeals.

• Example 3: A serving Cabinet Minister

  Upon being appointed to a senior position within the UK government, such as a Cabinet Minister, an individual is almost always made a Privy Councillor. This enables them to receive confidential briefings and participate in meetings where sensitive government business is discussed, under the strict oath of secrecy that binds all members of the Privy Council.

  This scenario highlights that many active government officials are also Privy Councillors, underscoring the council's historical and ongoing connection to the executive branch and the importance of confidentiality in their advisory and administrative roles.