18 Feb 2009
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has ruled that correspondence between Diana, Princess of Wales, and the government should not be released under the Freedom of Information Act.
Under the Act communications with the Royal Family are exempt from disclosure, however this exemption is subject to the public interest test.
The ICO has upheld a decision by the Cabinet Office on the basis that the correspondence is of a personal nature and does not comment on government or public policy. The ICO’s ruling notes that ‘disclosure of information relating to communications with the Royal Family is likely to be strongest in cases where the information relates to the performance of a public role or function, as opposed to private or personal matters.’ Deputy Information Commissioner, Graham Smith, highlights that ‘it is important to draw a clear distinction between matters of public interest and matters about which the public may be merely curious.’
In the ruling the Deputy Information Commissioner also highlights that members of the Royal Family, some of whom are referenced in the correspondence, enjoy the same data protection rights as other individuals.
The full decision notice can be viewed at
http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2009/fs_50142320.pdf
ENDS
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