Can the British Police Arrest or Prosecute the Royal Family?

The British legal system is based on the principle that no one, not even members of the royal family, is above the law. This is a fundamental tenant in a democracy, and it applies to everyone, including the individual members of the royal family. The concept here is simple: the royal family, as both public figures and citizens, is held to the same standards as any other person in the kingdom.

The Role of the Police and the Crown Prosecution Service

It is important to understand that the police do not have the authority to prosecute individuals. Instead, the responsibility for prosecution lies with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

The police are responsible for carrying out arrests. However, their authority to make an arrest extends to all citizens, regardless of status. With the exception of the monarch, who has diplomatic immunity, the police can legally arrest any member of the royal family.

Case Studies: Princess Anne and the Royal Family

Princess Anne, a member of the royal family, has had instances where she faced legal consequences. She was fined twice, for speeding on the motorway (93mph) and for the incident involving her dog biting two children in Windsor Great Park. These examples illustrate that the royal family is subject to the same legal standards as any other citizen.

Practical Implications and Exceptions

While the royal family is held to the same legal standards, there are specific considerations and limitations. For example, the monarch (currently King Charles III) has diplomatic immunity, which shields them from certain types of legal proceedings. This means that the police cannot arrest the monarch under normal circumstances.

However, when a member of the royal family is involved in a situation that requires investigation or legal action, the police can still be involved. For instance, in the late 1980s, Jimmy Savile was a member of the royal establishment, and despite his association with the royal family, he was investigated and ultimately convicted of multiple charges of sexual assault. This highlights that the police can and do investigate members of the royal family, but the court of public opinion and the internal workings of the royal establishment may not permit them to take action in all cases.

Another notable example is Prince Andrew, who was involved in the Epstein scandal. At the time, Scotland Yard declined to investigate Prince Andrew, primarily due to the sensitive nature of the case and its impact on the royal family. This underscores the complex relationship between law enforcement and the royal family, where public interest and political considerations play a significant role.

Conclusion

The British police have the authority to arrest any member of the royal family, with the exception of the monarch. The Crown Prosecution Service decides whether any individual, including royal family members, faces prosecution.

Beyond the occasional speeding ticket or minor infraction, there have been no significant legal cases involving the royal family in recent history. However, the willingness to uphold legal standards and the recognition of the royal family's status as regular citizens contribute to the stability and respect for the law in British society.