 Although the Privy Council is primarily a British institution , officials from some other Commonwealth realms are also appointed . By 2000 , the most notable instance was New Zealand , whose Prime Minister , senior politicians , Chief Justice and Court of Appeal Justices were traditionally appointed Privy Counsellors . However , appointments of New Zealand members have since been discontinued . The Prime Minister , the Speaker , the Governor @-@ General and the Chief Justice of New Zealand are still accorded the style , Right Honourable , but without membership of the Council . Until the late 20th century , the Prime Ministers and Chief Justices of Canada and Australia were also appointed Privy Counsellors . Canada also has its own Privy Council , the Queen 's Privy Council for Canada ( see below ) . Prime Ministers of some other Commonwealth countries that retain the Queen as their sovereign continue to be sworn of the Council . 
