The late Queen Elizabeth II was an enthusiastic driver.

Hagerty has published an interesting article following her life in the driving seat.

In the driving seat

From gaining her skills behind the wheel whilst working in the forces during WWII, she went on to steer many a vehicle. Most of the time this was on and around her Royal estates.

As Giles Chapman recounts, for a person who probably travelled more chauffeur-driven miles in her lifetime than anyone else on earth, our late monarch had an uncommon urge to take the wheel herself. Queen Elizabeth II was a keen driver and supporter of Britain’s car makers, and stories abound of her spirited driving catching visiting dignitaries unawares.

While she took her duty seriously, those that met her say she never took herself too seriously – just ask the American couple who ended up posing for photos with her royal protection officer, when the Queen told them he’d met Her Majesty on several occasions…

Together with the rest of the nation, we thank her for her service and devotion. God save the King.

Behind the wheel

From bombing about Sandringham in a Land Rover, to ferrying family and friends to shoots in a Vauxhall, the Queen unfailingly supported Britain’s car makers.
Giles Chapman looks back at the Royal rides in Hagerty.
Read the full article here.