When you're a member of the royal family, you're afforded privileges us commoners do not receive.
With swanky titles, servants, and an abundance of wealth, members of the British monarchy have a exceptionally comfortable life, but they're not above the law - aside from Queen Elizabeth II.
Her Majesty is the only royal who has Sovereign Immunity, which states the monarch can't commit a legal wrong and is therefore immune from civil suit or criminal prosecution.
But just because Elizabeth can theoretically do no wrong, it doesn't mean she doesn't abide by the law.
"Although civil and criminal proceedings cannot be taken against the Sovereign as a person under UK law, The Queen is careful to ensure that all her activities in her personal capacity are carried out in strict accordance with the law," the royal family's website reads.
But let's not forget that other members of the royal family don't have the same exemptions, including Prince William, Prince Harry, Kate Middleton, and Meghan Markle.
The Loopholes
While the two couples get several benefits for being the figureheads of the royal family, they aren't immune from prosecution - but there are loopholes.
The legal encyclopedia Halsbury's Laws of England states that "members of the royal household cannot be arrested in civil proceedings, arrests can't take place in the monarch's presence and they also cannot be arrested anywhere near a palace."
While we don't expect the royal foursome to commit any crimes anytime soon, there's already one member of the British monarchy who has a rap sheet.
The First Royal Conviction
The Princess Royal, Princess Anne first had a run in with the law in 2002 when she was fined £500 ($658 USD) plus compensation.
She pleaded guilty to a charge under the dangerous dogs act after her three-year-old English bull terrier had bitten two children in Windsor Great Park.
Just a year prior, Anne was fined £400 ($526 USD) for speeding in her Bentley after she was caught driving 93mph in a 70mph zone in Gloucestershire, England.
Although the Royal admitted to the offense, she told the court that she initially believed the police car's flashing blue lights signified they were escorting her to her engagement.
Despite the offense, Anne acknowledged she is not above the law.
"The princess accepts that she is subject to the normal rule of law and she will be paying her fine accordingly," a spokesperson from Buckingham Palace said in a statement.
[H/T: Mirror]
Do you think the Royals should be above the law? Let us know in the comments!
