The monarch, who is merely a figurehead, will give a royal pardon on the advice of the govt. All they do is rubberstamp it.
The Justice Secretary has the power to ask the Queen to grant a pardon under the Royal Prerogative of Mercy, for civilians convicted in England and Wales.
A pardon is only normally granted when the person is innocent of the offence and where a request has been made by someone with a vested interest such as a family member. Uniquely on this occasion a pardon has been issued without either requirement being met, reflecting the exceptional nature of Alan Turing’s achievements.
He admits they are not following the norm for a pardon.
It is entirely bad timing as courts are destroying traditional marriage state by state and Phil Robertson is under attack.