Prince Philip has chosen to voluntarily give up his driving licence at the age of 97, just weeks after being involved in a horror car crash.
The Duke of Edinburgh was left shaken last month when the car he was driving collided with a Kia carrying two women and a nine-month-old baby on a quiet road in Sandringham, Norfolk. While the duke escaped unhurt, one of the other car’s passengers, Emma Fairweather, broke her wrist.
Now, according to multiple news outlets, Buckingham Palace has confirmed in a statement that Philip has chosen to surrender his licence in the wake of the crash.
“After careful consideration The Duke of Edinburgh has taken the decision to voluntarily surrender his driving licence,” a palace spokesperson said.
The prince wrote a letter of apology to Ms Fairweather following the accident, admitting his fault in the collision and wishing her all the best in her recovery.
“I would like you to know how very sorry I am for my part in the accident at the Babingley crossroads,” the letter read, according to the Sunday Mirror.
“I have been across that crossing any number of times and I know very well the amount of traffic that uses that main road.
“It was a bright sunny day and at about three in the afternoon, the sun was low over the Wash. In other words, the sun was shining low over the main road.”
“In normal conditions I would have no difficulty in seeing traffic coming from the Dersingham direction, but I can only imagine that I failed to see the car coming, and I am very contrite about the consequences,” he reportedly added.
Philip also revealed he was “shaken” after his Land Rover overturned when it collided with the Kia – and wasn’t aware of the extent of her injuries when he left the scene.
“I was somewhat shaken after the accident, but I was greatly relieved that none of you were seriously injured,” he wrote.
“As a crowd was beginning to gather, I was advised to return to Sandringham House by a local Police Officer. 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.”
Just two days after the accident, Philip was pictured back behind the wheel, but this time without a seatbelt. Police confirmed they had spoken to the prince and given him a warning about obeying road rules.
The crash also sparked heated debate about whether Philip should still be driving at age 97, and lead to a wider debate about tougher rules for elderly people wanting to get behind the wheel.
The duke later sent thank you letters to royal fans across the world who had wished him well following the incident, revealing he was “grateful” for the messages and that the accident was “a shock for all concerned”.