EDITORIAL

As a worthy citizen of these isles, it sort of behoves me to comment on today's wedding from a motoring standpoint.

Sadly, since the early days of motoring, the British Royal Family has been something of a let–down on the interesting car front. Pre–WW1, they would have chugged around in Lanchesters or Daimlers, I expect.

In the 20s and 30s, it would have been satisfying to report that a minor royal had been part of the fast set on the Côte d'Azur, a regular at the tables and frequently to be seen behind the wheel of an Alfa 8C or Bugatti Type 57.

Princess Anne is known to have an interest in classic cars, while the Duke of Edinburgh has dabbled with Alvises and been a visitor to the British Grand Prix ("doesn't it make you dizzy, all that round–and–round nonsense? You look goggle–eyed!" Perhaps). And Prince Charles is famous for his Aston Martin DB6 Volante.

That apart, in recent years it's been ceremonial Rolls and Bentleys, with the odd Land Rover or Range Rover along the way and — neatly celebrating their German roots — a succession of Audis.

As William and Harry are enthusiastic motorcyclists, I have a suggestion. In a spirit of breaking with tradition, the future monarch and his bride could perhaps leave Westminster Abbey two–up on a Ducati Diavel — this week's featured ’bike.

Steve Wakefield
Managing Editor
sw@classicdriver.com

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SERVICE

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