The monarchy under the king’s reign has made a formal request to the Welsh government to ensure immunity from prosecution under upcoming regulations.
This move comes as part of the customary practice where the palace is informed in advance about legislative proposals that could impact the royal family, allowing them to express any concerns through a process known as royal consent.
As reported by The Guardian, Buckingham Palace responded to the Welsh government’s plans to revamp agriculture on June 1, 2023.
An internal memo disclosed by the newspaper revealed that officials from Buckingham Palace contacted Welsh government lawyers seeking assurance that conventions related to prosecuting the crown would be considered when enacting regulations under the proposed bill.
In the British legal system, criminal charges are brought in the name of the crown, which is deemed incapable of prosecuting itself, resulting in the king traditionally being shielded from prosecution.
Despite various laws granting the royal family certain privileges, exceptions have been made to prevent investigations into environmental offenses on royal estates without the king’s explicit approval.
The solicitor general of the Welsh government raised concerns over the exclusion but acknowledged the established convention, leading to official documentation of the request the day after the June 1 memo.
Responding to the palace’s plea for immunity assurance for the monarch under the new agriculture legislation, the Welsh government has complied with the request.
While the likelihood of the king facing criminal charges seems remote, recent developments saw the Metropolitan Police conclude an inquiry into his charity, the King’s Foundation, without pursuing legal action.
This incident underscores that even a monarch can become entangled in a criminal investigation, though the proposed Welsh law amendment would not have impacted this particular case.
In a separate development, former CEO Michael Fawcett allegedly offered assistance to a businessman seeking British citizenship and an award in exchange for charitable donations.
Fawcett’s correspondence with an aide of Saudi tycoon Mahfouz Mehraib Mubarak bin Mahfouz indicated a willingness to support the citizenship application and elevate the individual’s honor.
The transition in titles was purportedly linked to the Trust’s recent and anticipated backing, along with Fawcett’s broader commitments within the United Kingdom.
These revelations shed light on the intricate interactions between influential figures and the potential implications of such exchanges within the realm of charity and recognition.
As the monarchy navigates through legal intricacies and public scrutiny, the dynamics of power and privilege continue to shape the interactions between the crown and governmental bodies.