Privy Council

Privy Council, honorary group of appointed advisers to the reigning sovereign of Great Britain. Instituted by William the Conqueror (William I) in the late 11th century, the privy council once had the important function of advising the king on matters of national importance. As parliament and the prime minister replaced the monarchy in the nation's governing structure, the privy council declined in importance. Today it serves a largely ceremonial function, overseeing matters of commerce, scientific research, and the arts.