There are three criteria for being able to register a .gov.uk domain name, according to the Central Office of Information (COI). They are to “preserve the integrity of the .gov.uk namespace”. Although Prince Charles doesn’t seem to fit them, somehow he’s got himself a website at www.princeofwales.gov.uk.
Prince of Wales website
Registration/ownership of a .gov.uk is limited by the COI to:
- UK government and devolved administration departments and agencies;
- executive and advisory non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs);
- local and regional government bodies (including town and parish councils).
The owner of the site is The Office of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. And the T&Cs say it is “operated by the Principal Private Secretary for the Household of TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwal”. This doesn’t appear to fit any of the three criteria … For instance, none of these offices or households are listed as NDPBs in the Information on Public Bodies list.
In fact, the COI goes on to say that the following, among others, are NOT eligible for a .gov.uk domain:
- individuals (included elected representatives);
- charitable, voluntary and privately owned organisations;
The site does rather seems to be about him as an individual as well as his charitable organisations.
He needn’t worry though as no organisation has ever been made to stop using a .gov.uk domain.
Hat tip to @annelideworm for asking the question in the first place ..
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