FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

On 1 January 2005, the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 and the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 came into force. As from that date, any person of any nationality can make a request to see information held by public bodies, except where special exemptions apply.

Since the Royal Household is not a public authority, as defined by the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Act does not relate to access to the Royal Archives.

Papers in the Royal Archives are not public records, as defined by the Public Records Act 1958. The Royal Archives hold documents relating to the reigns of Sovereigns from George III up to George VI. The Archives also hold records relating to many deceased members of the Royal Family and their former Households.

Although exempt from FOI requirements, the Royal Household is committed to transparency, and to making information available, where appropriate.

Regarding the papers it holds on government business, it is the policy of the Royal Archives to follow voluntarily the regulations on closure and release to which counterpart papers in The National Archives are subject.

Any enquiries should be directed in writing as follows:
Senior Archivist
The Royal Archives
Round Tower
Windsor Castle
Windsor
Berkshire SL4 1NJ.