King Charles Can Travel Without Passport & Drive Without License Among Other Unusual Perks

by Sushmita Mahanta
King Charles Can Travel Without Passport & Drive Without License Among Other Unusual Perks

Imagine being able to travel without a passport and drive without a license! Sounds unusual yet interesting right? Well, the new ruler of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms, King Charles III will have a few such unusual rights! On September 10, 2022, two days after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the Accession Council met at St James’ Palace to proclaim King Charles III as the new sovereign of Britain. Let’s take a look at some of the most unusual rights of the new King of the UK.

King Charles III has a few unusual perks –

Travelling Without A Licence Or Passport

King Charles III has travel documents issued in his own name because of which the new King will travel overseas without a passport. The king will also be the only royal member in the United Kingdom who can drive without a license.

The preamble in every document will now state: “His Britannic Majesty’s Secretary of State requests and requires in the name of His Majesty all those whom it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance and to afford the bearer such assistance and protection as may be necessary.”

Two Birthdays

Queen Elizabeth II is known for celebrating two birthdays. Her actual birthday was on April 21 and was a private affair. Her second birthday was held as an official public celebration on the second Tuesday in June. Also, the summery weather in June tends to be better for outdoor parades.

Following a similar tradition, King Charles III, who was born on November 14, during the winter months, is most likely to have a second official birthday in a warmer month for a better public celebration and parade in the United Kingdom.

No Right To VOTE

The new British Monarch, King Charles III will not have the right to vote or run for public office because being the head of the state, he must remain strictly neutral in political affairs. However, the new King in the United Kingdom will be involved in the formal opening of parliamentary sessions, approve legislation from parliament and hold weekly meetings with the prime minister.

Owner Of All The Mute Swans

Since the 12th century, unmarked mute swans in waters across England and Wales are considered the property of the monarch! Hence King Charles III will not only reign over the people but also all the mute swans in the United Kingdom.
Each year, royal rights are exercised on the River Thames and the swans are counted as a part of the tradition as well as a conservation measure.

Royal Warrant

Those who regularly supply the monarch with goods and services will be issued a royal warrant by King Charles III.
The royal warrant is a great honour and boosts sales for companies. Those who are awarded the warrant are authorised to use the royal arms on their goods. A few companies with a Royal Warrant are Burberry, Cadbury, Jaguar Cars, Land Rover, Samsung, and Waitrose supermarkets.

Also read: Queen Elizabeth Visited These Historical Sites During Her India Tours

 

First Published: September 12, 2022 11:53 AM