Royal Lawbreaker: Did King Break The Rules?

Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered as a powerful activist and leader in the Civil Rights Movement, which protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. While he advocated for nonviolent protest, King was arrested multiple times for disturbing the peace, marching without a permit, violating boycott laws, trespassing, and more. In his 1963 Letter from Birmingham Jail, King differentiated between just and unjust laws, arguing that unjust segregation laws were out of harmony with the moral law or the law of God. He believed that civil rights activists were justified in breaking certain laws, while also obeying just laws, such as the 1954 Supreme Court decision outlawing segregation in public schools. This complex relationship with the law continues to shape discussions around legal change and social action today.

The British monarch can't be prosecuted

The British monarch, currently King Charles III, cannot be prosecuted under UK law. This is due to the legal principle of "sovereign immunity", which grants the King immunity from criminal and civil proceedings. This immunity applies to both his public duties and his private conduct, including any crimes committed on royal estates and businesses. While the King is exempt from certain laws, it is important to note that Queen Elizabeth II was careful to ensure that her activities were carried out in strict accordance with the law.

The monarch's immunity extends beyond legal prosecution to other areas of daily life. For example, the King does not need a passport to travel, as all British passports are issued in his name. Similarly, the King is not required to have a driver's license and can drive without a number plate. The monarch is also exempt from paying certain taxes and does not have to participate in jury duty, like other British citizens.

The Royal Family's website previously stated:

> "Although civil and criminal proceedings cannot be taken against the Sovereign as a person under U.K. law, The Queen is careful to ensure that all her activities in her personal capacity are carried out in strict accordance with the law."

While the King enjoys legal immunity, it is unlikely that he would abuse his power, as it would have serious repercussions for the monarchy. Any attempt to seize power or make the monarchy absolute would likely result in abdication or other consequences, as seen in the case of King Charles I, who was executed for treason.

The King can break speed limits

Queen Elizabeth II reportedly never took a driving test and was able to drive without a license plate, as all driver's licenses in the UK are issued in the monarch's name. In 2019, the Queen decided to stop driving on public roads on the advice of her security team.

As King, Charles is also not required to use a driver's license. However, it is important to note that the royal family is still expected to comply with certain road safety standards, and their police escorts must ensure that their driving remains within acceptable parameters, even if they are technically exempt from speed limits when on official duty.

The King doesn't need a passport

The King of the United Kingdom does not need a passport to travel, and this has been the case for previous monarchs, including the late Queen Elizabeth II. This is because all passports issued by the UK are issued in the name of the monarch. The Royal Family's website states:

> "When travelling overseas, The Queen does not require a British passport. As a British passport is issued in the name of Her Majesty, it is unnecessary for The Queen to possess one. All other members of the Royal Family, including The Duke of Edinburgh [then Prince Philip] and The Prince of Wales [then Prince Charles], have passports."

The same is true for countries where the King of the UK is the head of state, such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. For example, passports issued in New Zealand will now read:

> "The Governor-General in the Realm of New Zealand requests in the Name of His Majesty the King all whom it may concern to allow the holder to pass without delay or hindrance and in case of need to give all lawful assistance and protection."

This is a significant change, as the late Queen's name appeared on British passports for 70 years.

The King doesn't need a driver's license

This privilege is exclusive to the monarch, and other members of the Royal Family, such as the Queen Consort, are required to have a driving license.

The late Queen Elizabeth II, who was nicknamed "Princess Auto Mechanic" in her youth, was the only person in the UK who could legally drive without a license during her reign. She trained as a driver and mechanic for the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service during World War II and was able to drive without a number plate.

In addition to being exempt from driving licenses, the King and other members of the Royal Family can also drive as fast or as slow as they please when escorted by police officers on official royal business. This exemption is granted by the Road Traffic Regulation Act.

The King is exempt from jury duty

The King of England enjoys several legal exemptions due to "sovereign immunity". This means that the King is exempt from criminal and civil proceedings as the head of state. This immunity also extends to the King's private conduct, assets, estates, and businesses.

One of the many laws that the King is exempt from is jury duty. While British citizens can face fines of up to £1,000 ($1,253) for evading jury duty, the King and his immediate family members are exempt from this obligation under the criminal justice bill. This exemption was previously extended to all members of the royal family, but in 2003, Members of Parliament successfully argued to limit this exemption to just the monarch and their immediate family.

The King is also exempt from the requirement to have a valid passport and driver's license. Under the Road Traffic Regulation Act, the King can also drive as fast or as slow as he pleases when escorted by police officers on official royal business. The King is not required to pay taxes, although the late Queen Elizabeth II and her firstborn child, King Charles III, have voluntarily paid taxes on their income, assets, and gains not used for official purposes.

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