The version published earlier today on this topic produced some lack of editing and content, and in particular the exclusion of some matters raised.

There is an excellent and entertaining account of the legal proceedings and the legacy of John Lewis on the Richmond Council website https://www.richmond.gov.uk/media/6311/john_lewis_brief_open.pdf  This is penned by Max Lankester, whose work What’s in a Name has been noted here before https://childlawobserver10.com/2025/01/04/1566/

Lawyers might consider it surprising that in the 1750s any judicial challenge to the Royal Prerogative could have any chance of success. That shows perhaps the cunning of John Lewis, who chose to take his proceedings against the Park gatekeeper. But more recently Crown powers have been limited to some degree. The Crown is not entirely immune from legal proceedings.

The only bow towards democracy in the Royal Parks now lies in the appointment to the Board of Trustees of local authority councillors. We should perhaps ask Councillor Gareth Roberts at the Richmond Council meeting on Tuesday 28th January 2025, when he speaks to his motion on the proposed cuts to Richmond Park Policing, whether there has been any discussion between the Board and the Met.

And finally given the Royal Influence on the Park over the centuries, can we expect any intervention from King Charles III?