We all know the queen cannot refuse assent to a bill just because she does not like it. But can she secretly get a law changed, in her personal interest, before it is even introduced into parliament?
The answer is yes, and we finally have documentary evidence to prove it.
The queen, politics and secrecy
There is a myth the queen never involves herself in political matters. In public view, all she does is act on ministerial advice, signing her name or initials where required.
But she has always done more than this. She exercises extensive soft power by influencing government policy and bills before they are introduced to parliament. Her power is exercised behind closed doors and is more potent because of it.
Due to secrecy laws, it is extremely hard to find documentary evidence of the queen’s exercise of…