Christine Keeler, a key figure in the Profumo scandal, has been denied a posthumous Royal pardon, much to the disappointment of her family. The Justice authorities rejected a request for a Royal Prerogative of Mercy (RPM) that sought to overturn Keeler’s perjury conviction from 1963. Keeler’s relatives are determined to clear her name, alleging that her prosecution was a deliberate smear campaign following her involvement with Tory minister John Profumo in the 1960s.
Officials from the Ministry of Justice acknowledged in a letter that Keeler had faced an “injustice.” However, they stated that it was not feasible to reassess past events based on current justice standards or apply contemporary views. They also cited the absence of new evidence or extraordinary circumstances to warrant a Royal pardon.
Keeler’s son, Seymour Platt, criticized the decision, particularly in light of Justice Secretary David Lammy recently granting a posthumous pardon to Ruth Ellis, who was convicted of murdering her lover in 1955. Platt expressed disappointment at the refusal to pardon his mother, emphasizing their commitment to challenging her conviction.
The scandal involving Keeler and Profumo led to significant political fallout, resulting in the downfall of the Tory government. Despite the sensational nature of the affair, Keeler was imprisoned for perjury in a separate case shortly after the scandal emerged.
Keeler’s family contends that she was a victim of circumstances, particularly in her court testimony against her stalker, Aloysius “Lucky” Gordon. They argue that Keeler’s fear of Gordon led to her misleading statements in court. Efforts to appeal her perjury conviction have faced obstacles, with justice watchdogs highlighting challenges in correcting the public perception of Keeler’s role in the Profumo affair.
Following the rejection of their pardon request, Keeler’s family remains resolute in their pursuit of justice. They are exploring further legal avenues to challenge the decision and seek acknowledgment of the injustices Keeler endured. The case has drawn comparisons to the recent pardon granted to Ruth Ellis, highlighting the need for a compassionate approach to individuals who have faced abuse and coercion.