Royal Lawbreakers: A History of Monarchy's Legal Troubles
The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor this morning has shocked many, but it is far from the first time a member of the British royal family has faced the judiciary. Throughout history, the monarchy has been entangled in legal controversies, ranging from illegal gambling and motoring offences to even execution. This article delves into the notable run-ins with the law that have marred the royal lineage.
Charles I: The Beheaded Monarch
The last arrest of a British royal before today occurred over 350 years ago with Charles I. Captured in 1647 after his defeat in the English Civil War by parliamentary forces, Charles I was a staunch believer in the divine right of kings. His tyrannical reign involved refusing to acknowledge parliament's authority in governance and religious matters across England and Scotland. Put on trial for high treason, he denied the charges, arguing that no court could judge a monarch's God-given power. Found guilty, Charles I was beheaded in 1649, the only monarch formally executed by the state. His final words reflected his unwavering belief: "I go from a corruptible to an incorruptible crown, where no disturbance can be, no disturbance in the world."
King Edward VII: The Gambling Prince
King Edward VII, known for his playboy lifestyle, faced legal scrutiny in 1890 while still Prince of Wales. He was questioned as a witness in the high court during the trial of the baccarat scandal, an illegal gambling game held at the home of one of England's wealthiest men. The case, a Victorian melodrama, involved accusations of cheating and slander among players. Prince Edward's involvement damaged his public reputation, making him the last royal to stand in a courtroom until Prince Harry appeared 130 years later.
Princess Anne: The Speeding Royal
Princess Anne has a notorious record of motoring offences. At age 21, she received a written warning for speeding at 90mph on the M1. Over the years, she accumulated fines and penalties, including a £40 fine in 1974 for driving 96mph in a 70mph zone, a one-month driving ban and £150 fine in 1990 for speeding to an engagement, and a £400 fine in 2001 for reaching 93mph. Her defence often cited misunderstandings, such as mistaking a police car for a royal escort. Additionally, in 2002, she pleaded guilty under the Dangerous Dogs Act after her bull terrier bit two children, resulting in a £500 fine and compensation orders.
Prince Philip: The Reckless Driver
Reckless driving seems to run in the family, as evidenced by Prince Philip's 2019 car crash near the Sandringham estate. At 97, he collided with another vehicle while pulling out from a driveway, flipping his Land Rover. Although unhurt, the other driver and passenger were hospitalised but later discharged. Breath tests were negative, and while Philip surrendered his licence, the Crown Prosecution Service decided against prosecution.
Prince Charles: The Questioned Witness
In 2021, it was revealed that Prince Charles had been questioned as a witness in 2005 during a three-year investigation into the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. The Daily Mail reported that former Metropolitan police commissioner John Stevens interviewed Charles about a note Diana wrote, speculating she might be killed so Charles could marry their sons' former nanny. Charles was not considered a murder suspect, and Stevens found no evidence linking him to Diana's death.
These instances highlight a pattern of legal entanglements within the British monarchy, underscoring that even royalty is not above the law. From historical executions to modern-day arrests, the royal family's brushes with justice continue to captivate public attention.
