When we think of being royal, we think of how nice it must be for members of the monarchy — like Queen Elizabeth and Kate Middleton — to have others do everyday things for them that they might not want to do … like driving them from place to place, for example. While Elizabeth certainly does take advantage of having her own driver, she also likes to drive herself around occasionally, even at the age of 94. (She's independent!)
And fortunately for us royal fans at home, the Queen's penchant for driving has allowed us to see some seriously adorable photos of Her Royal Highness behind the wheel that have been taken over the years. Whether she's driving her beloved green Land Rover, her Jaguar, or another one of her vehicles, she always looks great as she's getting herself wherever she needs to go.
Read on for photos of the Queen driving herself to her royal engagements — or even just where she wants to be. We're glad to see that even members of the royal family can do "normal" things, like driving themselves from time to time when the mood strikes.
Driving Near Sandringham
In this photo, which was taken in January 2020, Queen Elizabeth was driving near her Sandringham home — likely where she stayed after the holidays, which are always spent there with her family. She looks so serious behind the wheel, but we love that she didn't forget her scarf to protect her hair … or her red lipstick!
The Royal Horse Show
In May 2019, the Queen happily drove herself to the Royal Horse Show, arriving at the event in her own Range Rover — and once again, with her scarf in place, of course. Other photos from the day showed the monarch really enjoying herself, so it seems like driving to her appearances as she can really agrees with her.
All Smiles
Here's another shot from a Royal Horse Show in 2013 … and this time, the Queen is looking pleased as punch to be behind the wheel! It's pretty adorable to see her smiling face in mirror while she's driving. In a life that's been anything but ordinary, it's good to see she gets to enjoy the open road.
Serious in Sunglasses
Make way — the Queen is coming through! Here, she looks serious as she navigates her car through the streets, even wearing a pair of shades to protect her eyes from the sun. This photo was taken in 2014, and her days of driving have only continued since then.
Driving the Jaguar
It's not just her Range Rover that the Queen drives. In 2013, she also drove this Jaguar. Here, she's on her way to the Queen's Cup, a polo tournament, and because her name is in the title, it's only right that she drive herself there … and wear a bright pink suit for the occasion.
Seeing Over the Wheel
This pic really shows how, though very regal, the Queen is actually rather short. (She doesn't see too far over the steering wheel!) Measuring in at just 5'4", it's no surprise that the Queen doesn't tower too far over the top of the wheel … and we're loving that blue scarf on her.
Happy as Can Be
A lot of the time, the Queen is seen with a straight face, but here, she's just grinning — we love to see it! This photo was taken in 2010, as Queen Elizabeth poses with Lady Brabourne at Windsor Castle, where they were watching the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Her love for horses was never more obvious!
Off Roading
The Queen doesn't need to drive on roads — she can go wherever she wants! Here, in this photo taken in 2006, she is hanging out in the grass in her Jaguar, which is parked so she can watch the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix from the comfort of her car. She seems to be concentrating!
Heading to the Stables
Here's yet another one of the Queen's cars in action! Taken in 2000, this photo shows her behind the wheel of her Land Rover Defender, an all-terrain vehicle that probably kept her pretty safe! Here, she was headed to the stables to see her horses while staying at Sandringham.
Driving in the '80s
the Queen's tradition of driving herself to the Royal Horse Show has spanned decades. In fact, here she is behind the wheel and heading there in 1986. (She looks so young here!) It's hard to believe this photo was taken more than 30 years ago, but her tradition has stood the test of time.
A Vintage Throwback
Ready to throw it all the way back to the '50s? This photo of the Queen driving herself to a polo match in Windsor was taken in 1958, when she was 32 years old. It feels like we're looking at something from The Crown here, but nope — this is a real life photo!
Happy Traveler
Perfect hair and perfect lipstick: We'd expect nothing less from the Queen, even while driving! Some of her happiest moments definitely have to take place while she's behind the wheel, and this one is a great example of that. Can we also talk about how beautiful her scarf of the day was?
A Cheerful Goodbye
This must have been a pretty good day for the Queen! After all, she got to watch husband Prince Philip compete in the Grand Prix at the 2002 horse show before driving off as she said goodbye to everyone who watched her leave. As convenient as being driven around by a professional must be, the Queen seems to love the freedom of driving herself.
Driving Around Windsor
Here, Elizabeth is arriving at Home Park for another day at the horse show in 2004. Even though this is obviously one of her more casual looks, we're loving the classy lipstick and pearls with her lavender blouse. The Queen has always been about wearing a pop of color, and she looks too cute here.
Seeing Her Off
Everywhere Queen Elizabeth goes, she's surrounded by crowds of fans who would love to see her — including when she's driving! Fortunately, she seems pretty pleased about the whole thing in this photo, which was taken as she left Cartier International Day in her Jaguar in 2002.
