Royal expert reveals the real reason why royalty will sometimes drive themselves.
When Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle are out and about it’s usually in the backseat of a car with a chauffeur at the wheel – it’s got to be one of the biggest perks of the job, right?
So if that's the case, why do we sometimes see them upfront and grinding those gears themselves?
Most recently the 34-year-old Duke of Sussex was snapped driving himself and wife Meghan to Prince Charles’ 70th birthday bash at Buckingham Palace.
While The Duke and Duchess may keep their nights out low key – an early pregnancy and no alcohol consumption can do that to a social life - according to royal etiquette expert William Hanson, the decision to drive has nothing to do with a teetotal approach. And, in the case of Prince William and Kate their decision to drive on occasion, it isn't just because they want to avoid parenting Prince George, Princess Charlotte and adorable young Prince Louis with a hangover.
Talking to the Daily Mail, William said it's all about avoiding an unnecessary fan fare: 'Modern royalty tend to drive themselves to private parties and engagements because it’s exactly that – a private event.'
And, it’s not the first time that high profile royals have donned the driving gloves to attend a party. Royal fans will remember the familiar sight of royals driving themselves through the gates to the Queen’s Christmas lunch every year, a private event.
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Both Prince William and Prince Harry’s decision to drive to Prince Charles’ birthday was a subtle way of showing that they were stepping out of their royal titles for the night and just being there in their position as a son.
'They are not attending specifically because of their titles and roles they play but because of their personal connection to the host,' explains William.
'They usually choose to arrive and leave with less fanfare than during their official work,' he added.
