The Act Commentary on Sections Part 5: Safeguarding vulnerable groups, criminal records etc. Section 97: Saving for Royal pardons etc.
381.This section preserves the power of Her Majesty, under the Royal prerogative, to issue a pardon, commute a sentence or quash a conviction. Accordingly, a person with a disregarded conviction or caution might still receive a Royal pardon in respect of the offence despite the operation of section 96.