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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2013/jul/20/ask-grown-up-can-police-arrest-queen

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Ask a grown-up: can the police arrest the Queen? Ask a grown-up: can the police arrest the Queen?
(2 months later)
There is no 100% clear answer to this. It would depend on the exact circumstances and the views of parliament.There is no 100% clear answer to this. It would depend on the exact circumstances and the views of parliament.
However, when you join the service you make an oath "that I will well and truly serve the Queen in the office of constable". The commissioner and deputy commissioner of the Met police are both royal appointments. All cases that are heard in a crown court are "the Queen versus", because the Queen is also head of the criminal justice system. The monarch could not prosecute herself. Prisons are also Her Majesty's prison service; some people say prisoners are serving time "at Her Majesty's pleasure". Considering that the police service, courts and prisons are all under the direction of the monarch, the Queen cannot be arrested, prosecuted or imprisoned unless under exceptional circumstances. However, the rest of the royal family can face arrest for a crime, just like anyone else.However, when you join the service you make an oath "that I will well and truly serve the Queen in the office of constable". The commissioner and deputy commissioner of the Met police are both royal appointments. All cases that are heard in a crown court are "the Queen versus", because the Queen is also head of the criminal justice system. The monarch could not prosecute herself. Prisons are also Her Majesty's prison service; some people say prisoners are serving time "at Her Majesty's pleasure". Considering that the police service, courts and prisons are all under the direction of the monarch, the Queen cannot be arrested, prosecuted or imprisoned unless under exceptional circumstances. However, the rest of the royal family can face arrest for a crime, just like anyone else.
• If you're 10 or under and have a question that needs answering, email ask.a.grownup@guardian.co.uk and we'll find an expert to look into it for you.• If you're 10 or under and have a question that needs answering, email ask.a.grownup@guardian.co.uk and we'll find an expert to look into it for you.
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