Her Majesty on the Road: A Royal Privilege
Let me tell you something fascinating about Queen Elizabeth. At 95 years old, with her signature kerchief wrapped snugly around her head, she’s not just ruling Windsor Castle but also the roads of the United Kingdom. You might be wondering how that’s possible, right? Well, here's the kicker: the Queen is the only person in the entire U.K. who doesn’t need a driver’s license to drive on public roads. And despite recent health concerns, she doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
Her Early Days Behind the Wheel
Long before she was crowned queen, Elizabeth was already learning the ropes of driving. At the tender age of 18, during World War II, she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service. This was no ordinary job for a young royal. She learned the nitty-gritty of being a mechanic and trained as a truck driver. Yes, you read that right—our beloved queen has been driving since her teenage years, and she never had to take a driving test. It’s one of those quirky laws that only the monarch can break.
Driving Diplomats: A Royal Spin Around the Palace
Now, here’s a fun little story about the Queen’s driving skills. Back in the early 2000s, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia paid a visit to Elizabeth at the palace. And guess what? The Queen decided to take him for a little spin around the property. Imagine the surprise on his face when she hopped into the driver’s seat. Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, who was appointed Ambassador to Saudi Arabia in 2003, recounted the tale. Through his interpreter, the Crown Prince reportedly implored the Queen to slow down and focus on the road ahead. Can you picture that? The Queen, racing around in her car with a world leader as her passenger!
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After Prince Philip: The Queen's Driving Legacy
In 2019, Prince Philip, her beloved husband, gave up driving after a car accident. Elizabeth reportedly followed suit when it came to driving on public roads. However, the royal family always has a fleet of chauffeurs ready to whisk them off to their destinations. But Elizabeth isn’t one to stay off the roads for long. In September 2020, she was spotted driving a black Range Rover. And even after a brief hospital stay in October 2021 due to health concerns, she was back behind the wheel, driving her beloved green Jaguar around the Windsor estate.
Queen Elizabeth's Car Collection: From Bentleys to Land Rovers
After seven decades on the throne, Elizabeth has driven some pretty impressive vehicles. From her Bentley Bentayga to various Land Rovers, she’s got a garage full of high-powered cars. When she’s not waving to crowds from her golden state coach, she’s often found cruising around in her personal vehicles, looking as content as ever behind the wheel. It’s clear that driving is more than just a royal privilege for Queen Elizabeth—it’s a passion that she’s held onto for decades.
