Prince Philip ‘voluntarily’ surrenders driving licence following car crash

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

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.

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