The Duke of Edinburgh has officially put his driving days behind him. On Saturday, news broke that Prince Philip had voluntarily surrendered his driver's license following his high-profile and controversial car crash in Sandringham last month.
The crash, which happened in mid-January, happened when Philip was driving near the Queen's country estate in Sandringham, where she and Philip traditionally stay after the Christmas holidays. Philip wasn't injured in the crash, but two other people involved did sustain minor injuries (they were treated at a local hospital, but were later discharged).
While there is no legal age limit for driving in the United Kingdom, drivers over 70 are required to renew their licenses frequently—every three years. Philip, who is 97, faced public pressure to stop driving after the incident, and now, whether as a result of the public response to the crash or not, he's decided to do just that.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace confirmed the reports, explaining that, "After careful consideration, the Duke of Edinburgh has taken the decision to voluntarily surrender his driving license."
Daily Mail royal correspondent Rebecca English broke the news on Twitter, writing:
Breaking: the Duke of Edinburgh has surrendered his driving licence following last month’s crash. BP says: ‘After careful consideration The Duke of Edinburgh has taken the decision to voluntarily surrender his driving licence.”February 9, 2019
Prince Philip, who has always been known as one of the most willful and outspoken members of the royal family, retired from public life in 2017, but still makes some appearances with Queen Elizabeth and other members of the royal family.
RELATED STORIES
-
Norwegian Royal Family Releases Serious Update Regarding Queen Sonja's Health After Skiing IncidentThe Queen Consort was previously hospitalized for her condition and is set to undergo surgery.
-
Why Royal Courtiers Allegedly Gave Prince Harry and Prince Andrew Unexpected 'Dukes of Hazzard' NicknamesA royal expert claimed the nicknames—inspired by the famous TV show—relate to King Charles.
-
Princess Kate Isn't Always "Well Enough" for Royal Duties, but She's Learning to "Pace" Herself"She is looking after herself and is wise to do so," a family friend shared.
-
Why Prince Andrew Has Been Reported to the Police Over a Fake Name and Business VentureGet ready to meet the royal's alter ego, "Andrew Inverness."
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Daughter Lilibet Has Already Entered Her "Princess Phase"The Sussexes are very "down-to-earth" parents, according to a family friend.
-
Prince William Views This Royal Family Member as a "Brother" and Someone He Can "Always Rely On""There's no doubt Wills sees him as the brother he lost."
-
Why the Royal Family's Annual Income Is Increasing by $56 Million in 2025The royals will receive a whopping $165 million, which critics have called "scandalous."
-
Former Prisoner Recalls Life-Changing Meeting With "Amazing" Princess Kate: "Saw Me as an Equal"Francesca Fattore shared the "one thing that surprised" her about the Princess of Wales in a new interview.
