The Royal Family is an institution steeped in history, tradition and protocol. Much of the habits and etiquette of members of the family - especially senior royals - are informed by decades and even hundreds of years of tradition. Since the passing of the late Queen Elizabeth II, however, the Royal Family has sought to modernise some of its ways, especially when it comes to the younger royals - namely future King and Queen, The Prince and Princess of Wales.
One subtle habit that proves the royals are evolving is easily overlooked, but in fact signifies a wider shift in the way the family members are presenting themselves. Former royal butler Grant Harrold, who worked for the Royal Family 2007 and 2011, explains the tiny detail which signifies something much greater - Kate opening and closing her own car door.
'It sounds like a little thing, but it’s very interesting in terms of an example how the Royal Family is evolving and becoming less formal,' he says, via Select Car Leasing, adding that it is a habit other younger royals too, including Prince William, Harry and Meghan. 'At one time, opening and closing their doors without any assistance would have been unheard of. You never would have seen the late Queen opening her door at public events. Of course she did it in private, but never at official engagements.'
While the Royal Family are often driven to official visits and events, they all have their own cars which they regularly drive when they're off-duty. 'The King has an Aston Martin, a Defender and a Bentley, as well as some others in the royal fleet. But he sticks to those really,' says Grant, adding that the family members don't tend to share vehicles. Prince William and Kate use their cars to do the school run for their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, as they like to maintain a sense of normality in their daily family life.
While all of the Royal Family members who drive have their own licences, King Charles is the only person who doesn't have to have one by law. 'He doesn’t need one as driving licences and passports are issued in the name of the King’s Government - so he’s not required to have one. But he actually has one anyway, as he was obviously driving for decades before he became King,' says Grant.
