Can the Queen be arrested?

[Backdrifter]

If she was on walkabout, went loopy and kicked the sh*t out of one of her subjects or punched them in the head, would normal arrest & charge protocols apply? Not that I'm suggesting this is likely to happen, of course.

Sorry, I didn't know where to post this - a "Royals Freaking Out" forum would have been ideal but there isn't one.

[crete]

is there not a royals freaking out post ? no more questions from me then, would she be arrested think not but her family should be for the money they get for doing nothing

[Backdrifter]

I didn't think this thread would go that political, that early. Where are all the criminal law/royal protocol joint experts when you need them?

[saxy_jag]

Well if, as they're supposed to be, Royals are higher born than government ministers, then since the latter can do just about anything they like without fear of arrest, I imagine Royals can't be arrested.

The Princess Royal was charged with speeding in the 1970s. I seem to recall she had to go through the same procedures as any civilian.

[Grunty]

Next time the Queen is shown on the news, look at her car. If it is owned by her personally, it will have no numberplates and will not be registered. This is a symbolic demonstration of the fact that she is above the law.

[jaffacake]

If you throw or spit or shout any abuse at H.M you will get a punch or beating from the police or security who escort her or later on from army personnel.

[Backdrifter]

Thanks jaffacake, that's helpful, I hadn't realised that. Anyway...

So in fact, she could then do what I said in my scenario i.e. punch a member of the public's lights out, then dust her hands off and stroll off to continue her walkabout - and she the law can't touch her? The police officers in attendance would just have to smile indulgently, shake their heads and arrest the victim if they retaliate? She could mug, burgle, rob, kidnap and murder people left right & centre, defecate in public, drop litter and poke police officers in the eye while screaming abuse at them - all with complete immunity?

[Loosehead]

Sub question, why are threads like this always used by ignorant to55ers like crete to have a go at the royals?

[crete]

we are all entitled to our opinions, that is how our country works

[Loosehead]

You are correct, even if they are not based on any knowledge.

[Simeon]

John Prescott appeared to be above the law when he punched that bloke. Why wasn't he cuffed and taken down the nick.

[Backdrifter]

Simeon, it was because the smirking mulleted egg-thrower chose not to press charges.

[Simeon]

Charges are not the issue. There were police officers there who witnessed a crime being committed. Both of them should have been aressted immediately.

[Backdrifter]

Interesting question. So if neither party wants charges to be applied, it doesn't matter - the police will still arrest them both? I can't believe that.

[ajmmac]

it is true backdrifter--it is not up to the persons involved--but the director of public prosecutions--procurator fiscal in scotland--if i stab u and u say u don't want to press charges do u really think that would be the end of the matter?

[Backdrifter]

Yes I can see that - so what are they talking about when you hear the phrase "They decided not to press charges" or "to drop the charges"? Does that only apply when it's one person's word against another?

[Toureman]

The Queen is the only person in the UK who does not have a driving licence but does drive on public roads regularly!

[Toureman]

Sorry, before hundreds of Chavs say they do the same, she will not be prosecuted for it!

[ajmmac]

backdrifter--it means the dpp or proc fiscal has decided that for whatever reason a prosecution would not be successful or in the public interest or for whatever reason they have decided upon--eg in the recent case of jean charles de menezes the dpp said successful prosecution for murder or manslaughter was not thought likely but a prosecution under the health and safety regulations was--hence the charges