Why isnt the Royal Coroner dealing with these Inquests?
Mr Michael Burgess holds dual roles as Coroner of The Queens Household and Coroner for Surrey. As a result, both of the deaths fell within his jurisdictions. Mr Burgess opened Inquest proceedings but it became clear that, given the heavy workload of his principal position as Coroner for Surrey, he would not have the time to undertake the hearing of these Inquests. He first appointed Baroness Butler-Sloss as an Assistant Deputy Coroner for Surrey and Deputy Coroner of The Queens Household. Following the decision of the Administrative court on 2 March 2007, Baroness Butler-Sloss was appointed as Assistant Deputy Coroner for Inner West London, hearing the Inquests in that capacity. Following the decision by Baroness Butler-Sloss to step down from the Inquests, Lord Justice Scott Baker has taken over this role.
