| Document and Entity Information | Jun. 02, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001802768 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jun. 2, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Royalty Pharma plc |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | X0 |
| Entity File Number | 001-39329 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-1535773 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 110 East 59th Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | New York |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 10022 |
| City Area Code | (212) |
| Local Phone Number | 883-0200 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Class A Ordinary Shares, par value $0.0001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | RPRX |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
