One’s got a woman under the bonnet!
Revealed, Queen’s nickname for the satnav that has courtiers in stitches
WHO’S the only person that can tell the Queen what to do?
The woman under the bonnet, of course! That’s the monarch’s nickname for her satellite navigation system, the Daily Mail can reveal, and demonstrates the 96-yearold’s legendary sharp wit.
There is no need for a ‘satnav’ system in the sovereign’s official state Bentley, according to sources.
But while she knows the layouts of her estates at Windsor, Sandringham and Balmoral ‘like the back of her hand’, a navigation system still comes in useful for the head of state whether driving personally or with a chauffeur.
And although she famously hates backseat drivers – ‘the Queen doesn’t tolerate anyone lecturing her while driving, not even her late husband could tell her what to do,’ says one who knows her well – she does find the female voice of her GPS rather amusing.
‘A few years ago she started calling her “the woman under the bonnet”. It was very funny. Of course she knows very well where the voice comes from. But Her Majesty is very sharp. She has a brilliant sense of humour and a very quick wit,’ the source said.
‘It always tickles people to hear her remark, “It’s the woman under the bonnet again,” when she hears her voice.’
It is possible to customise the voiceovers from satnav systems but most come with a woman as standard.
Historically, female voices have been used in navigation devices dating back to the Second World War, when women tended to be radio operators.
The monarch uses a fleet of private cars including Range Rovers, Land Rovers and Jaguars and until recently always preferred to drive herself, if possible.
Indeed, she is the only person in the country who has no need to hold a valid licence.