what is a royal commission

A Royal Commission is a major ad-hoc formal public inquiry into a defined issue in some monarchies. It is a form of non-judicial and non-administrative governmental investigation that is only established in rare and exceptional circumstances. A Royal Commission is an investigation, independent of government, into a matter of great importance. It is a formal public inquiry into an issue of considerable importance and public concern, and the commission has vast investigative powers. Royal commissions are the highest form of inquiry on matters of public importance. The government decides the terms of reference, provides the funding, and appoints the commissioners, who are selected on the basis of their independence. The Queen appoints the members of the commission on the advice of government ministers. The powers of a Royal Commission include subpoenaing witnesses, taking evidence under oath, and requesting documents.