Byng became a Privy Counsellor in 1721. The council gave the sovereign access to former ministers, senior politicians, admirals, generals, and other experienced advisers. Members could be consulted individually, in a small group, or as a full council. Orders in council drew on this advisory machinery. For a contentious decision, support from experienced councillors could give the monarch broader political backing than acting alone.
Notable Point · 1:47:20-1:49:31
Privy Council appointment carried naval expertise beyond office
Byng's Privy Council appointment put his naval experience among the advice available to the sovereign.