Sword of the King

The Sword of the King (or Queen) is one of the titles inherited by the heir to the throne of the Star Kingdom of Albion. It bestows on the heir broad legal authority to investigate corruption within and threats to the nation.

Purpose

Member nations of the Stellar Monarchist League structured their constitutions in such a way as to ensure that royals and nobles would govern, and not just hoard wealth. The position of the royal family was seen as critically important to checking the power of the House of Lords. On Albion this is represented by the title "Sword of the King", which the constitution gives powerful and far reaching authority to investigate corruption within and threats to the nation. Success in this role is considered important, as it signals to the nation how seriously the future monarch takes their constitutional responsibilities.
When the Monarch or Heir (or a Royal Appointee if the Heir is too young or absent) wishes to investigate a percieved issue, they establish a Royal Commission. These commisions and their investigations are confidential, allowing the members to investigate without alerting their targets or needlessly attacking the reputations of those innocent. Members are drawn typically from the civic and military law enforcement communities, though any expert can theoretically be drafted such as the recently knighted Lady Frances Kirkbride from the Caledonian Park Service. The Sword leads these commisions, though they typically delegate.
The commision is not empowered to prosecute cases, detain individuals, or punish criminals. In cases where the commision believes it has gathered enough evidence, the Sword presents his findings to the Monarch. The Monarch is given the right to choose the prosecutors for the case but if the Sword believes that the Monarch is trying to hide the findings they can meet with the leaders of both the House of Lords or the House of Commons to present their findings. If the parliamentary leaders of at least one house agree, then the findings of the commision are handed over to prosecutors to argue the case.

Notable Achievements of Title Holders

Length of Term

The title of Sword of the King is held until either the heir is coronated, or in the case of a royal appointment until the title and position is given to another

Form of Address

Royal heirs are referred to using their title of Crown Prince or Princess. Royal appointees are addressed as the Sword or Sword Williams as an example.

Type

Royalty, Hereditary