When the royals aren't carrying out their duties, they often like to do ordinary things such as grocery shopping and driving. The late Queen was often pictured behind the wheel of her Range Rover on her private estates.
As part of the "royal prerogative" – powers and rights that the sovereign alone possesses – His Majesty is the only person in the UK who can drive without a licence, even though driving licences are issued in his name. Charles is also allowed to drive without a number plate on his state car, however, all other members of the royal family must pass their driving tests before being allowed out on the road.
King Charles inherited his mother's love of motoring and has been car-mad from a young age and true to his green credentials, Charles has also developed a keen interest in eco-friendly transportation and has often been seen behind the wheel of an electric car or even some that have been powered by hydrogen. Given the amount of royal visits to car factories that the monarch has undertaken over the years, he has often been seen behind the wheel of the latest model.
Take a look at some of HELLO!'s favourite photos of the royals driving…
© Max Mumby/IndigoThe Queen
The late Queen was frequently spotted behind the wheel of her Range Rover on her private grounds or whenever visiting the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Her Late Majesty was a dab hand behind the wheel and was seen in many vehicles during her life.
© Max Mumby/IndigoThe Princess of Wales
The Princess of Wales was spotted driving to the late Queen's annual Christmas lunch for her extended family in December 2019. Kate waved as she drove through the gates at Buckingham Palace and her daughter Princess Charlotte could be seen in the back seat.
© Max Mumby/IndigoThe Duchess of Edinburgh
The Duchess of Edinburgh previously revealed during a visit to a Surrey pub that she likes to drive herself to local engagements. Here she is getting out of her Jaguar as she arrived at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2016.
© STEVE PARSONSPrince Harry & Meghan
Prince Harry drove himself and his new wife Meghan in a vintage Jaguar E-Type to their evening reception at Frogmore House in Windsor on their wedding day in May 2018. The new Duke of Sussex wore a tux, while Meghan looked gorgeous in a halter-neck Stella McCartney dress.
© DAVID HARTLEY/ShutterstockPrince Edward
Prince Edward is often seen wearing glasses when he gets behind the wheel, like in this photo as he drives his son James, Earl of Wessex for Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's wedding in 2018.
© Max Mumby/IndigoMike Tindall
Mike Tindall was spotted driving himself, wife Zara and their two daughters, Mia and Lena, to the late Queen's Christmas party in December 2019.
© Danny MartindaleZara Tindall
Zara Tindall got very brave back in 2013 when she took on an obstacle course in a brand-new Range Rover at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. The daughter of Princess Anne tackled the course as she took part in an initiative to encourage young women into engineering.
© John PhillipsPrince William
Prince William drove his bride Kate down The Mall in his father's Aston Martin DB6 after their wedding ceremony in April 2011. The car is powered by biodiesel made by a by-product of the cheese manufacturing process and wine unsuitable for human consumption.
© AFPWilliam got behind the wheel again in 2013 when he drove his wife home from the hospital following the birth of their first child, Prince George.
© Hulton DeutschThe Queen
We love this vintage-looking snap of the late Queen driving in her Daimler saloon car in 1957, with a ten-year-old Charles in the passenger seat and an eight-year-old Princess Anne in the back.
© PoolKing Charles & Queen Camilla
King Charles and Queen Camilla were the first royals to visit Cuba in an official capacity in 2019 and Charles got behind the wheel of a vintage car to drive them through Havana.
© Max Mumby/IndigoPeter Phillips
What speed! As he joined his royal cousins for a polo match, Peter Phillips certainly stood out as he arrived in a bold red Jaguar convertible. The royal was seen speeding down the dust tracks in the fast car.
© Andreas RentzPrincess Eugenie & Princess Beatrice
Princess Eugenie drove herself and her sister Princess Beatrice in a Union Jack printed Mini in Berlin, Germany, as they supported an initiative which promoted the UK abroad in 2013.
© Max Mumby/IndigoPrincess Anne
Princess Anne had a rather unusual passenger in the form of her bull terrier when she drove to the Gatcombe Horse Trials in 2019.
