Prince Andrew, Duke of York, has faced intense public scrutiny in recent years following the civil lawsuit brought by Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual abuse in connection with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Although Prince Andrew has consistently denied the allegations and settled the case in 2022 without admitting liability, the controversy led to significant consequences, including the removal of his honorary military titles and the use of the style “His Royal Highness” in official capacities.

While his situation has dominated recent headlines, he is far from the first royal figure to encounter legal trouble. In fact, the relationship between royalty and the law stretches back centuries, often reflecting the political tensions of their eras.

Below is a look at notable royal figures who have faced legal proceedings or public investigations.

King Charles I

King Charles I of England was one of the most dramatic examples of a monarch facing legal judgment. Following the English Civil War, he was brought before a court at Westminster Hall in January 1649.

Charged with treason and tyranny against his own people, Charles famously argued that no court had authority over a reigning monarch. The court rejected his claim. He was convicted and executed later that month at the Banqueting House in Whitehall, marking an unprecedented moment in British history.

Mary, Queen of Scots

Mary, Queen of Scots, was tried in 1586 after being implicated in the Babington Plot, a conspiracy aimed at assassinating Queen Elizabeth I and placing Mary on the English throne.

Mary denied involvement and argued that she had been denied legal counsel and was not subject to English law. Nevertheless, she was found guilty and executed in 1587. Her trial remains one of the most debated legal proceedings in royal history.

Juan Carlos I of Spain

Legal scrutiny has not been limited to British royalty. In 2020, Spain’s former King Juan Carlos I became the subject of financial investigations related to alleged irregularities surrounding a high-speed rail contract between Saudi Arabia and a Spanish consortium.

While Spanish prosecutors later closed several investigations citing insufficient evidence or legal immunity during his reign, the controversy significantly affected his reputation and led to his relocation outside Spain for a period of time.

King Edward VII

Before ascending the throne, King Edward VII, then Prince of Wales, was involved in what became known as the Baccarat Scandal of 1890. The future king was called as a witness in a high-profile court case involving illegal gambling and allegations of cheating among aristocratic circles.

Although Edward was not accused of wrongdoing, his presence at the center of the scandal attracted considerable public attention and criticism.

Princess Anne

Princess Anne, sister of King Charles III, has had several minor legal issues related primarily to driving offences.

Over the years, she received speeding fines and, in one instance, a temporary driving ban. In 2002, she also pleaded guilty under the Dangerous Dogs Act after one of her dogs injured two children in Windsor Great Park. She was fined for the offence. These incidents were handled through standard legal procedures.

Prince Philip

In 2019, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was involved in a car accident near the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. The collision resulted in minor injuries to occupants of the other vehicle. Following the incident, he voluntarily surrendered his driving licence.

The event drew significant media attention, largely due to his age at the time, as he was 97 years old.

King Charles III

During the early 2000s, then-Prince Charles was reportedly interviewed by police in connection with Operation Paget, the official inquiry into the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. The investigation examined various allegations and conspiracy theories, including claims referenced in a letter Diana had written expressing fears about her safety.

The inquiry ultimately concluded that Diana’s death was the result of a tragic accident and found no evidence supporting claims of conspiracy.

A Pattern Across History

From trials and executions in the 16th and 17th centuries to modern investigations and civil lawsuits, royal figures have periodically found themselves entangled with legal systems.

In earlier centuries, legal proceedings against monarchs often reflected struggles over political power and sovereignty. In modern times, legal scrutiny tends to involve personal conduct, financial transparency, or civil matters, shaped by contemporary standards of accountability.

While royalty traditionally symbolizes continuity and tradition, history shows that no institution is entirely removed from legal or public examination.