Off-tennis topic question for Batz

[woodrow1029]

I was surprised to see Kate and Pippa arrive in a car driven by Kate, herself today for the final. Do members of the Royal Family often drive themselves around the London area? I would have thought she would have a chauffeur.

Thanks.

[Ash_Smith]

It is very rare for a Senior Royal (which Katherine would now be considered) to be allowed to drive themselves anywhere! However, it does happen. After their wedding William drove Charles' car back to his apartment. I understand that she is keen to remain as 'normal' as possible!

Cheers

[rommil]

I am more impressed the Land Rover didn't break down on the way to Wimby

[woodrow1029]

Originally Posted by Ash_Smith

It is very rare for a Senior Royal (which Katherine would now be considered) to be allowed to drive themselves anywhere! However, it does happen. After their wedding William drove Charles' car back to his apartment. I understand that she is keen to remain as 'normal' as possible!

Cheers

Thank you.

[Dags]

Originally Posted by Ash_Smith

I understand that she is keen to remain as 'normal' as possible!

This part is definitely true, and I don't think they are as sheltered as you'd imagine. When William passed his test at 17, there were a fair few pictures in the paper of him driving around in a VW Golf. He was always followed by at least one unmarked police car, and I seem to recall that his driving instructor was some ex-army guy, who presumably trained him in evasive driving and additional skills just in case.

You can bet that these cars are bulletproof, and probably enjoy a level of upkeep most cars only dream of (he says, having just had to catch the bus home because his car failed its MOT and it was too late to fix it today...)

Another anecdotal story: years ago, when he was around 19, my sister once saw William in a pub near his home. Towards kicking out time, her friend approached him and declared her love. I was quite surprised how close to him a drunken lady could get (apparently he just went red. But I got this story from someone who could barely stand, so there may be some inaccuracies).

[r2473]

Originally Posted by Dags

Another anecdotal story: years ago, when he was around 19, my sister once saw William in a pub near his home. Towards kicking out time, her friend approached him and declared her love. I was quite surprised how close to him a drunken lady could get (apparently he just went red. But I got this story from someone who could barely stand, so there may be some inaccuracies).

i used to see prince hal with a jolly old fat knight in the bar quite often

[West Coast Ace]

Originally Posted by rommil

I am more impressed the Land Rover didn't break down on the way to Wimby

Bang!

I wonder if they're being tailed (whether they know it, like it, or not) by MI:5. Even with 'The Troubles' behind them, there are still plenty of bad people out there.