Members of the Royal Family are frequently photographed travelling in vehicles without wearing seat belts, a practice that has raised eyebrows among the public.
This apparent flouting of road safety rules, which most citizens must strictly follow, has prompted questions about why the royals seem exempt from such regulations.
Security expert Michael Chandler has shed light on this practice, explaining that there are specific reasons behind the Royal Family’s approach to seat belt use.
According to Chandler, royals often ride without seat belts due to “security considerations.”
King Charles and Royal Family ‘exempt’ from wearing seat belts for important reason
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“As you might imagine, there’s concerns about extracting a principal from a vehicle as quickly as possible,” Chandler told the Mail.
He added that a risk-based approach is likely employed, with risk assessments determining whether extra precautions are needed.
This practice prioritises the ability to rapidly remove Royal Family members from vehicles in emergency situations.
Beyond security concerns, comfort and appearance also influence the royals’ seat belt habits, particularly during formal events.
Princess Kate and Prince William attending a state banquet without wearing seat belts
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“If they’re in and out of a vehicle, royals will be less inclined to fit their seat belt every time,” Chandler noted.
For men in military uniform or formal attire, seat belts can crease shirts, affecting their presentation.
However, Chandler clarified that royals do use seat belts more often than people might think.
“On those occasions where they’re travelling relatively quickly through London or on motorways, they will certainly wear seat belts,” he said.
Royals do not always wear seat belts for security reasons
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The legal implications for royals not wearing seat belts are particularly clear for King Charles, who enjoys sovereign immunity from prosecution.
“Under a very old piece of legislation, the Bill of Rights from 1689, the monarchy was established to be above legal challenges and courts,” Chandler, who also holds a law degree, explained.
He further noted: “More recently, the Crown Proceedings Act of 1947 allowed lawsuits against Government and Crown departments but explicitly excluded the Monarch.”
This historical legal framework effectively places the King beyond the reach of seat belt regulations.
King Charles and Queen Camilla photographed in the car during their trip to France
Reuters
Other members of the Royal Family are similarly protected from legal consequences for not wearing seat belts.
Chandler explained that the “risk-based assessment” plays a key role in this protection.
Security decisions made by royal protection officers are rarely challenged by other law enforcement officials.
“It doesn’t legally exempt them if they’re not travelling for a ceremonial duty, but they’re unlikely to be arrested when it was a decision made by someone who’s looking after them,” he said.
“Regulation 6E of the Road Traffic Act, updated in 1993” provides additional exemptions for police protection vehicles.
