The royal prerogative
The nutshell
The royal prerogative is a set of old powers that once belonged to the Crown. Today the government uses most of these powers in the King's name, without a vote in Parliament.
Every fact on this page comes from official parliamentary guides and non-partisan explainers. Each source tag — like Parl — opens where a fact comes from.
The basics
What the royal prerogative is
The royal prerogative is a set of old powers that once belonged to the Crown. UK Parliament describes it as powers held by the Monarch, or by government ministers, that can be used without a vote in the House of Commons or the House of Lords.Parl
Who uses these powers now
Most prerogative powers are no longer used by the King in person. The House of Commons Library records that most are used by government ministers, or by the Monarch on the advice of ministers.HoC The Institute for Government says these powers are now much more limited than in the past.IfG
What the powers cover
Prerogative powers still cover big parts of running the country. The House of Commons Library lists sending the armed forces into action, making and ending treaties with other countries, and granting honours such as knighthoods.HoC The Monarch also formally appoints the Prime Minister and gives Royal Assent to new laws.IfG
The limits on the prerogative
The prerogative is not above the law. Where a prerogative power clashes with an Act of Parliament, the Act of Parliament wins, and the courts can check how most prerogative powers are used.HoC
- The government, not the King in person, uses most prerogative powers today, according to the House of Commons Library
- A prerogative power can be used without the consent of the Commons or the Lords, says the UK Parliament glossary
- Where a prerogative power clashes with an Act of Parliament, the Act of Parliament wins, the House of Commons Library records
- The prerogative is not the King acting on personal choice — the Institute for Government notes most powers are used on the advice of the government
- Prerogative powers are not above the law — the House of Commons Library records that the courts can review how most are used
- The prerogative is not written down in a single law — the House of Commons Library describes it as powers built up over a long time
The deep end6 min
Where the prerogative comes from
The royal prerogative is the leftover of powers that the Crown once held directly. UK Parliament describes it as powers held by the Monarch, or by government ministers, that can be used without the consent of either House.ParlThe House of Commons Library records that these powers built up over a long time and are not set out in a single written law.HoC
Used on advice, not on a whim
The Institute for Government says prerogative powers are now much more limited, and are generally used according to law or on the advice of the government.IfG The Monarch still formally appoints the Prime Minister and gives Royal Assent to new laws, a step the Institute for Government notes has been a formality since 1708.IfG
A worked example — proroguing Parliament
Proroguing Parliament means ending a session before the next one begins. The Institute for Government sets out that this is a prerogative power, used by the Monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister, and that it does not need the consent of MPs.IfG
The limits — statute and the courts
A prerogative power is not the final word. The House of Commons Library records that where a prerogative power and an Act of Parliament conflict, the Act of Parliament prevails, and that the courts can review how most prerogative powers are used.HoC Debate continues about how much say Parliament should have over powers such as sending the armed forces into action, an area the House of Commons Library tracks.HoC