King Charles III has lived a long life observing the rules and restrictions that come with the role of a reigning monarch. And while there are many things he isn't allowed to do, being the monarch comes with some surprising perks that no one else has, including the rest of the royal family.
Want to discover the exclusive privileges of the man sitting on Britain's throne? Then check out this gallery.
The British royal family's official last name is Windsor. But when the monarch inherited the throne, he left it behind and took on the title King Charles III.
Usually, the King is chauffeured to engagements, but occasionally he likes to get behind the wheel. And he can do so without a driver's license.
While the official residence is Buckingham Palace, the King (and Queen) can split his time between several royal residences.
Since all British passports are issued in the name of the King himself, he isn't required to have one. However, other members of the royal family aren't granted this right.
You can easily spot a vehicle belonging to the King. It will be the only car on the road without a license plate, and probably there will also be police escorts nearby.
According to the Succession to the Crown Act, the first six members of the royal family in line to the crown must have consent from the King to marry.
King Charles has his own private Bentley to ride around in. The elegant vehicle is known as the Bentley State Limousine.
King Charles III is pictured on the newly issued British currency.
Another special power granted to the King is that he can declare war and peace. He can also send troops to an area of armed conflict.
It used to be that the entire royal family was exempt from being called to jury duty, as it was believed it would cause disruption for the late Queen. But in 2003 the law was amended and only the reigning monarch is now exempt.
Anything the King wants to eat (or drink) is available to him.
As the sovereign, the King gets to celebrate two birthdays. His real birthday is privately celebrated on November 14, and his royal birthday will also be celebrated every year, after his coronation.
According to royal etiquette, when the King is done with his dinner, the meal is officially over. So you better eat quickly at Buckingham Palace!
The King can grant a knighthood to any citizen for their achievements or service to their country. The ceremony, known as an investiture, takes place at Buckingham Palace.
King Charles III has the power to grant the royal prerogative mercy, which pardons an individual of any criminal punishment. The late Queen issued the special order in 2020 to pardon a convicted felon who saved the lives of British citizens in a London terror attack.
Imagine never having to rush to an ATM before closing time... That's the case for the King, as he has a private ATM in the basement of Buckingham Palace. Provided by the British bank, Coutts, it's only available to the royal family.
The Road Traffic Regulation Act allows emergency service vehicles to break speed limits, so when the King is escorted by police officers, she's granted the same right.
The King and the royal family are exempt from the Freedom of Information Act, which grants the British public the ability to access any information held by the government. However, the royals do disclose their use of public money each year.
Curtsying is a huge part of royal etiquette, but according to protocol the King doesn't need to return the gesture. However, all female members of the royal family are expected to greet the King with a formal curtsy, while male members are required to bow their heads.
Due to a rule that goes back to the 14th century, the King technically owns all the dolphins, whales, sturgeons, and porpoises in the waters around the UK.
Even if he can't vote or state his political opinions publicly, the King has the power to dismiss a prime minister. However, it must be an extreme case for him to act.
Sources: (Good Housekeeping) (Cosmopolitan)
See also: Royals who lost their titles for love
30 things King Charles can do that you can't
Being a reigning monarch has its perks!
CELEBRITY Royals
King Charles III has lived a long life observing the rules and restrictions that come with the role of a reigning monarch. And while there are many things he isn't allowed to do, being the monarch comes with some surprising perks that no one else has, including the rest of the royal family.
Want to discover the exclusive privileges of the man sitting on Britain's throne? Then check out this gallery.