The Advisory Council on National Records and Archives, a statutory body tasked with advising government departments on the disclosure of public records, has raised alarms over the handling of documents related to the royal family. This council aims to ensure a uniform and transparent approach in Whitehall, but its members often find themselves unable to access documents in detail, hindering informed decision-making. The council has expressed concerns about a substantial backlog of disputed cases involving the royal family and has urged civil servants to adhere to established guidelines.
The council, chaired by the Master of the Rolls Sir Geoffrey Vos, includes academics and former intelligence officials among its ranks. The Public Records Act governs the release of records, typically after 20 years, though there are exemptions for issues such as national security or international relations. Notably, papers involving communications with the monarch are kept secret until five years after their death. As such, the National Archives is set to reassess closed royal files in its collection five years following the deaths of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II.
“There seems to be an increasing reluctance to release any historical public records relating to members of the royal family and a worrying trend of withdrawing access from records that have previously been released.” – Dr Alison McClean
The royal family's archives at Windsor are not considered public records and are not covered by the Freedom of Information Act. These files are scheduled for public release in 2026 and 2027, marking five years since the deaths of the royal couple. In response to this situation, the council has called for a radical overhaul of how records are treated when there is an application to prevent their release.
The council has taken steps to address these issues by writing to the culture secretary, reminding civil servants of their obligations under the Public Records Act. The challenges faced by the council highlight a pressing need for reform in the treatment and disclosure of public records related to the royal family.
“Under the Public Records Act 1958, those responsible for public records must make arrangements for the selection of those records which ought to be permanently preserved and so any government department or public body planning on releasing documents related to the late queen should follow the selection and transfer guidance.” – A spokesperson for the National Archives
The spokesperson emphasized that all records are released in line with the Public Records Act. However, discrepancies in the system have led to calls for change to ensure transparency and accountability.
“All records are released in line with the Public Records Act.” – A Cabinet Office spokesperson
“The Cabinet Office are the knee-jerk ones who react all the time,” “The system does need to be changed, because the advisory council has on it people who really know what they are talking about and they should be trusted.” – Dr Bendor Grosvenor