Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Prince Philip ‘voluntarily’ surrenders driving licence following car crash

Buckingham Palace say Duke of Edinburgh took decision ‘after careful consideration’

Saturday 09 February 2019 20:13 GMT
Comments
Cars removed from scene after Prince Philip is involved in road traffic accident close to Sandringham Estate

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Duke of Edinburgh has given up his driving licence, three weeks after he was involved in a car crash outside the Sandringham estate.

Prince Philip, 97, had to be rescued from his Land Rover Freelander following the collision with a Ford Kia carrying two women and a nine-month-old baby on 17 January.

Passenger Emma Fairweather had to have hospital treatment for a broken wrist. The driver suffered cuts to her knee but her infant son escaped injury.

Buckingham Palace confirmed the Duke had given up his licence on Saturday.

It said in a statement: “After careful consideration, The Duke of Edinburgh has taken the decision to voluntarily surrender his driving licence.”

Norfolk Police also confirmed that the Duke had given up his licence. The force said in a statement: “We will follow the standard procedure and return the licence to the DVLA.

“The investigation file for the collision has been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service for their consideration.”

Prince Philip was photographed driving without a seatbelt 48 hours after the crash.

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

He later wrote a letter of apology to Ms Fairweather revealing that he had failed to see the car coming because it was a bright sunny day.

“I was somewhat shaken after the accident, but I was greatly relieved that none of you were seriously injured,” he wrote.

“I have since learned that you suffered a broken arm. I am deeply sorry about this injury. I wish you a speedy recovery from a very distressing experience.”

Press Association

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in