Privy Counsellor | |
|---|---|
| Awarded by | The Sovereign |
| Precedence | 30 |
| Post-nominals | PC |
| Style | Rt Hon |
A Privy Counsellor (PC) is a member of the Privy Council, the formal body of advisers to The Sovereign. Membership is for life and is given to senior politicians, including every member of the Cabinet, as well as senior judges and some others. Privy Counsellors are styled The Right Honourable (Rt Hon).
History
The Privy Council is one of the oldest parts of the constitution. In the Middle Ages it was the King's inner circle of advisers, and although its real power has long since passed to the Cabinet, it still meets to approve orders made under the authority of the Crown.
In UKOGB
Membership is recorded on the website as an honour, and adds "Rt Hon" in front of the holder's name and the letters PC after it. Privy Counsellors may be briefed on confidential matters of state on "Privy Council terms".
This page was last edited on 3 November 2026.