King Charles is permitted to drive without a driving license, unlike his youngest son Prince Harry(Image: Getty)King Charles, a well-known car aficionado, enjoys a unique privilege on the roads that the general public does not share. The monarch has been seen driving an electric Audi E-Tron SUV at Sandringham and taking control of a Jaguar I-Pace, showcasing his preference for eco-friendly vehicles.
His Royal Highness boasts an impressive collection of luxury vehicles, including classic Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, and Jaguars. Notably, his 1970 Aston Martin DB6 Volante, which he received from the Queen on his 21st birthday, was modified in 2008 to run on bioethanol, reflecting his commitment to environmental sustainability.
In a recent auction, a Land Rover Defender that was delivered new to King Charles and Queen Camilla 15 years ago fetched £60,000, as reported by Money Mail. The Royal connection is believed to have inflated its value.
King Charles is a long-time connoisseur of cars, particularly eco-friendly ones in recent years(Image: Getty Images)The vehicle, with under 25,000 miles on the odometer, was reportedly for the personal use of the then Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.
Moreover, unlike other citizens, the King is exempt from holding a driving licence; he isn’t even required to pass a driving test. This is because driving licences are issued in the sovereign’s name, reports the Mirror.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, clarified: “Driving licences are issued by His/Her Majesty’s Government under His/Her Majesty’s authority,” meaning the monarch ‘does not need a driving licence’.
King Charles is the only Royal who enjoys this unique privilege – other members of the Royal family need a driving licence to get behind the wheel, as well as proof of passing a driving test. Queen Elizabeth, who was so fond of driving in her younger years that she earned the nickname ‘Princess Auto Mechanic’, also didn’t require a licence, but she did take lessons.
“We are proud that the Queen learnt to drive with BSM, which is part of the AA,” Jack stated.
Prince Harry will always require a driving license, unlike his older brother William(Image: Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation)Prince William will inherit this privilege when he ascends to the throne, while Harry, who is fifth in line, will likely always require a driving licence. “Only the Monarch receives this privilege so all other Royals would need a driving licence,” Jack explained.
“The Queen Consort still needs a licence to drive.”
King Charles has even more motoring privileges – number plates are issued under his authority, so he doesn’t need one. “The Monarch will predominantly use State Vehicles and these do not require number plates,” Mr Cousens said.
“Similar to licences, number plates are issued by His/Her Majesty’s Government under His/Her Majesty’s authority.”
The monarch can also travel freely overseas, as passports are issued in his name. However, if he were accompanied by other family members, such as his wife Queen Camilla or son Prince William, they would need to carry official documentation.