From Meghan Markle’s Rolls-Royce ride to Queen Elizabeth’s open-top Range Rover, 5 royal cars that each tell a story
Being a member of one of the world’s royal families sure has its perks and privileges, from enjoying access to enormous fortunes and holding illustrious titles to hobnobbing with high society and – of course – residing in grand palaces and vast countryside estates.
Another aspect of the lives of global royalty that triggers envy among many a royal fan and avid onlooker would have to include the one-of-a-kind, uber-luxe vehicles and automotive toys they love driving and being chauffeured in.
These are 5 remarkable royal rides, each with a special story.
1. The Rolls-Royce treatment
Noteworthy for several reasons, the rare Rolls-Royce Phantom IV that charioted Meghan Markle to the wedding chapel oozes a distinctively aristocratic sophistication.
It was manufactured by Rolls-Royce as one of only 18 cars produced between 1950 and 1956, all destined for an elite clan of dignitaries, one of whom was the queen though then still a princess.
Why was Princess Margaret so fond of her red Rolls-Royce?
The car has subsequently enjoyed many memorable monarchical moments, including Prince William’s wedding. It also transported Wallis Simpson to her husband’s funeral; the erstwhile King Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne to marry the divorcee in what many consider the 20th century’s greatest royal scandal.
2. An icon for an icon
Manufactured specifically for the queen to celebrate her 2002 Golden Jubilee, the ever so stately Bentley State Limousine is arguably one of the British royals’ most iconic cars.
Further adding to its cachet, Bentley built only two of these beauties, both of which belong to the monarchy.
How Queen Elizabeth remains a fashion icon – even at 94
3. Range roving on her parade
Another remarkable ride within the queen’s automobile assemblage is her customised Range Rover LWB Landaulet, in which she’s been regularly spotted.
The hybrid vehicle features sleek design, backwards-opening doors and an open-air top allowing her majesty to wave at crowds during processions.
4. Amazing (Princess) Grace
The car collection belonging to Monaco’s Prince Ranier III was so prodigious it was transformed into a museum, a highlight of which is a 1959 Renault Floride.
The marque gifted this vintage olive stunner to reigning Prince Albert’s late-mother, former Hollywood actress, Princess Grace, a fairy-tale romance icon of the 20th century.
6 celebrities who married into royalty – before Meghan Markle
5. One-off wonder
When Emperor Naruhito was officially enthroned to the highest Japanese imperial seat, Toyota custom built a striking sedan to carry the imperial couple on a parade to the coronation ceremony.
Not only is it aesthetically appealing, the price tag of some US$750,000 makes this one mighty memorable machine.
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The privilege and opulence of the world’s royal families extend into every sphere of their lives, including the cars they drive – or are driven in