DUKE GIVES UP DRIVING LICENCE
THE Duke of Edinburgh has given up his driving licence after a crash involving his Range Rover last month. Buckingham Palace said the 97-year-old had voluntarily surrendered his driving licence.
A spokesperson said: “After careful consideration The Duke of Edinburgh has taken the decision to voluntarily surrender his driving licence.”
Prince Philip was not injured in the collision close to the Queen’s Sandringham Estate in Norfolk on the A419 at Babingley.
The Duke was behind the wheel of the Range Rover which overturned following the collision.
He was taken from the scene back to Sandringham where he was seen by a doctor who deemed him fit and in good health.
The other vehicle was carrying a nine-month-old baby boy, his mother who was driving, and a passenger called Emma Fairweather.
The baby was not hurt but both women were treated in hospital.
Ms Fairweather, 46, is pursuing a personal injury claim against the Duke.
After initially being criticised for not speaking to the families directly, Prince Philip wrote a letter apologising.
The note said: “I would like you to know how very sorry I am for my part in the accident at the Babingley cross-roads.
“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.
“I was somewhat shaken after the accident, but I was greatly relieved that none of you were seriously injured.
“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.”
The letter is signed “Yours sincerely, Philip”.
Ms Fairweather told the Sunday Mirror she had been in pain for several weeks.
“This has completely knocked me,” said the single mum-of-two.
“It feels the last three weeks of pain and recovery have been pointless as I now have to start all over again. It’s like groundhog day. I want him to know the full effect this is having on my life. I’ve never had surgery before and I’ll have this titanium plate for life.”
Norfolk Police is investigating the incident and a full investigation is taking place, it is understood.
The Duke retired from royal duties in August 2017.