32 Cars Owned By The British Royal Family
Royalty may ride in style, but not every car in the British monarchy’s collection is a stretched limo or a bulletproof land yacht.
At a private auction preview, a rare vintage saloon drew attention for its pristine condition, until someone whispered it had once belonged to a certain Duke.
Suddenly, it wasn’t just a car, it was a piece of history.
The British royal garage is filled with everything from stately cruisers to surprisingly down-to-earth rides, each with a backstory as polished as its chrome.
1. Rolls-Royce Phantom IV
Only 18 were ever made, and the royals snagged one! This ultra-exclusive automobile was delivered to Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1950, just two years before she became Queen.
Painted in royal claret and black, this majestic beast features a raised roof for better visibility during public appearances.
The Phantom IV remains one of the most prestigious vehicles ever created, built specifically for heads of state and royalty.
2. Rolls-Royce Phantom VI
Gifted to the Queen by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders to celebrate her Silver Jubilee in 1977, this magnificent machine has transported countless dignitaries.
Most famously, it carried Kate Middleton to Westminster Abbey for her wedding to Prince William in 2011.
With its raised roof, large windows, and special “royal mascot” instead of the traditional Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, it’s unmistakably a monarch’s ride.
3. Rolls-Royce Phantom V
Royalty on wheels! This spectacular specimen joined the royal fleet in 1960 and served as one of the Queen’s primary state cars for many years.
Unlike many royal vehicles, this Phantom features a glass partition between the driver and passenger compartments.
A special platform in the rear could be raised to make the Queen more visible during processions.
The interior is upholstered in gray cloth rather than leather – a practical choice for a monarch who spent hours in the car.
4. Bentley State Limousine
Fit for a queen – literally! Created for Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, only two of these magnificent machines exist in the world.
Armored to withstand explosions and equipped with special airtight cabins to protect against gas attacks, these vehicles combine security with luxury.
The rear doors are hinged at the back, allowing the Queen to stand up straight before exiting – a thoughtful design touch for a monarch who perfected the royal wave.
5. Bentley Arnage
Before the custom State Limousines arrived, the Queen often traveled in this stately Bentley. Modified with armored bodywork and blue police lights, this wasn’t your average luxury sedan!
The Arnage R featured a powerful 6.75-liter V8 engine producing 400 horsepower – enough to outrun potential threats while maintaining dignified composure.
The royal version had custom rear seats with extra padding and specially designed grab handles to assist Her Majesty when entering and exiting.
6. Bentley Mulsanne
Stately power meets British craftsmanship in this magnificent machine! The Queen’s Mulsanne featured unique modifications including armored bodywork and special communication equipment.
The 6.75-liter twin-turbo V8 engine delivered 505 horsepower – plenty of muscle for royal duties.
Hand-built at Bentley’s Crewe factory, each Mulsanne required over 400 hours of craftsmanship. The royal version featured sumptuous leather seats in the Queen’s preferred shade of beige and walnut veneer trim.
7. Bentley Bentayga
Prince William and Kate have been spotted cruising in this ultra-luxury SUV, proving royals appreciate practical family vehicles too!
As parents of three active children, this powerful ride offers both prestige and practicality. The royal Bentayga reportedly features a custom interior with extra child-friendly touches.
With a top speed of 187 mph, it’s certainly the fastest school-run vehicle in Britain! The twin-turbocharged W12 engine produces a whopping 600 horsepower – perfect for quick getaways from paparazzi.
8. Range Rover LWB Landaulet
Talk about a royal ride with a view! This specially modified Range Rover features a retractable roof over the rear passenger compartment, allowing the Queen to stand and wave to crowds during ceremonial events.
Created specifically for royal duties, the Landaulet conversion maintains bulletproof protection while adding visibility.
The Queen reportedly loved Range Rovers for their comfort and commanding view of the road. This particular model was painted in royal claret and featured special grab handles for stability during parade use.
9. Land Rover Defender
Prince Philip’s favorite rugged ride! The Duke of Edinburgh was frequently spotted behind the wheel of his beloved green Defender, especially around the royal estates.
So deep was his love for these British workhorses that he requested a custom-built Defender to carry his coffin at his funeral.
The royal family maintains several Defenders for practical use around their country properties. These vehicles tackle muddy fields and rough terrain with ease – perfect for the royals’ country pursuits.
10. Land Rover Series I
Royal off-roading began here! The Queen received her first Land Rover as a gift shortly after her coronation in 1953 and quickly developed a fondness for these rugged British vehicles.
Her Majesty learned to drive in the military during World War II, giving her the skills to handle this utilitarian machine.
The royal Series I featured modest upgrades including a slightly more comfortable interior and a mounting point for the royal standard flag.
Even in her 90s, the Queen was occasionally spotted driving Land Rovers around her estates.
11. Land Rover Series II
Moving up in the Land Rover world! The royal family upgraded to the Series II in the late 1950s, using these versatile vehicles extensively around their country estates.
Prince Philip was particularly fond of these rugged machines, often seen driving one while participating in his beloved sport of carriage driving.
The royal Series II models were typically painted in dark green and featured modest interior improvements over the standard versions.
These trusty workhorses proved perfect for inspecting royal lands and participating in countryside pursuits.
12. Land Rover Series III
Royal adventures continued with this trusty British classic! The Series III joined the royal fleet in the 1970s, becoming a familiar sight at Balmoral and Sandringham estates.
The Queen reportedly enjoyed driving these no-nonsense vehicles herself, especially when inspecting her properties or heading to picnic spots. Prince Charles learned to drive in one of these boxy beauties.
The royal Series III models typically featured the more powerful 2.6-liter six-cylinder engine rather than the standard four-cylinder found in civilian versions.
13. Land Rover Discovery
Royal comfort meets off-road capability! The Discovery joined the royal garage in the 1990s, offering more refinement while maintaining the go-anywhere ability the family valued.
Prince William and Prince Harry were frequently photographed in these versatile SUVs during their younger years.
The royal Discoveries featured upgraded interiors with better sound insulation and more comfortable seats than standard models.
Security modifications included bulletproof glass and reinforced doors on vehicles used for official engagements.
14. Land Rover Freelander
Compact royal ruggedness! Kate Middleton was spotted driving this smaller Land Rover model before her marriage to Prince William, showing the royal family’s loyalty to British brands extends to their personal vehicles.
The Freelander offered a more city-friendly size while maintaining some off-road capability – perfect for navigating both London streets and country lanes.
Prince William also owned one during his bachelor days. The royal Freelanders were typically in conservative colors like black or dark green.
15. Jaguar XJ
Sleek British luxury for royal transportation! The Queen maintained several Jaguar XJs in her fleet, appreciating their combination of comfort and understated elegance.
Her personal XJ featured special modifications including armored bodywork and a mounting point for the royal standard.
Unlike the more ostentatious state limousines, these Jaguars allowed for slightly more discreet travel.
The royal XJs typically featured the most powerful engine options and were finished in either royal claret or British racing green.
16. Jaguar X-Type Estate
Practical luxury with a royal twist! Queen Elizabeth occasionally drove this understated wagon around her country estates, proving even monarchs appreciate a good boot space.
Her Majesty’s X-Type Estate was reportedly fitted with a special compartment for her beloved corgis to travel in comfort.
The 3.0-liter V6 engine and all-wheel drive made it perfect for country roads in all weather conditions.
Unlike her ceremonial vehicles, this personal car featured minimal modifications beyond security communications equipment.
17. Jaguar XF
Modern British elegance for the younger royals! Prince Harry was frequently seen in this sleek sedan before his marriage and move to America.
The sporty XF offered impressive performance with its supercharged V8 engine – perfect for a young prince with a need for speed.
Harry’s model was reportedly finished in a discreet dark color to avoid attracting attention.
The XF’s combination of luxury and dynamism made it a fitting choice for a royal who balanced tradition with a modern outlook.
18. Jaguar I-PACE
Royal family goes electric! Prince Charles, a passionate environmentalist, was an early adopter of this all-electric luxury SUV, demonstrating the monarchy’s increasing environmental awareness.
The future king reportedly ordered his I-PACE in metallic blue and has used it for shorter official engagements.
With 394 horsepower and instant torque, this eco-friendly Jag delivers performance worthy of royal passengers.
The prince has spoken publicly about the importance of reducing carbon emissions, making this vehicle choice perfectly aligned with his values.
19. Aston Martin DB6 Volante
Royal romance on wheels! Prince Charles received this stunning convertible as a 21st birthday gift from the Queen in 1969 and still owns it today – talk about a keeper!
In a brilliant eco-mod, Charles had the car converted to run on bioethanol made from surplus English white wine.
This gorgeous convertible famously carried Prince William and Kate Middleton away from their wedding reception, decorated with balloons and a “Just Wed” license plate.
The prince reportedly drives it only about 300 miles per year to preserve its condition.
20. Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Royal horsepower with British heritage! Prince Charles added this muscular Aston to his collection in the late 1980s, showing his appreciation for performance as well as luxury.
The V8 Vantage combined brutal power with handcrafted British elegance – a fitting combination for the heir to the throne. Charles reportedly chose a dark green exterior with tan leather interior.
The prince’s model featured the powerful 5.3-liter V8 engine producing around 400 horsepower – enough to give royal protection officers a challenge keeping up!
21. Aston Martin DB7
Princely style meets British performance! Prince William owned one of these gorgeous grand tourers during his bachelor days, showing the royal family’s continued support for British automotive craftsmanship.
William’s DB7 was reportedly finished in dark green with a cream leather interior. The 420-horsepower V12 engine provided plenty of performance for quick escapes from paparazzi.
Unlike his father’s vintage Astons, William’s more modern DB7 offered greater reliability for daily use while maintaining the brand’s signature blend of luxury and sportiness.
22. Vauxhall Cresta PA Friary Estate
Royal family life in the 1960s! This specially modified station wagon was used by the Queen to transport her children and, of course, her beloved corgis around the royal estates.
Custom-built by Friary Motors, this unique vehicle featured extra windows and a special dog compartment.
Despite being relatively modest compared to other royal vehicles, it included luxury touches like leather seats and enhanced sound insulation.
The Queen reportedly enjoyed driving this practical family car herself when at Sandringham or Balmoral.
23. Vauxhall Omega
Undercover royalty! This unassuming sedan served as an incognito vehicle for the royal family during the 1990s and early 2000s, allowing them to travel without attracting attention.
Despite its ordinary appearance, the royal Omegas featured bulletproof glass and reinforced bodywork. Prince William was occasionally spotted driving one during his university years.
The royal security team appreciated these vehicles for their ability to blend into traffic while maintaining necessary safety standards.
24. Vauxhall Insignia
Surprisingly royal! Kate Middleton was spotted driving this modest British sedan before her marriage to Prince William, demonstrating her down-to-earth nature.
The future Duchess of Cambridge chose this practical vehicle during her pre-royal life, earning praise for her unpretentious taste.
The Insignia offered good value, comfort, and reliability without flashy ostentation – perhaps reflecting Kate’s approach to royal life. Her model was reportedly a mid-range variant in a discreet silver color.
25. Vauxhall Carlton
Royal undercover operations! This unassuming sedan served as a discreet vehicle for royal protection officers and sometimes carried minor royals who preferred to avoid attention.
Despite its ordinary appearance, royal security versions featured upgraded engines and subtle reinforcements.
Princess Anne reportedly used one regularly during the 1980s, appreciating its understated presence.
The practical four-door design and spacious interior made it useful for royal duties requiring a lower profile than official state cars.
26. Daimler DS420 Limousine
Formal royal transportation with British dignity! These stately limousines served as official state cars for decades, carrying everyone from visiting dignitaries to royal brides.
The royal fleet included several DS420s, each featuring special modifications including raised roofs for better visibility and special communication equipment.
Princess Diana arrived at St. Paul’s Cathedral in one for her wedding to Prince Charles in 1981. These elegant vehicles remained in royal service from the 1960s through the early 2000s.
27. Daimler Double Six
The Queen’s personal favorite for many years! Her Majesty owned several of these refined British luxury sedans and was frequently photographed driving them herself around Windsor and Sandringham.
The Double Six featured a silky-smooth V12 engine providing effortless power with aristocratic restraint.
The Queen’s models typically featured custom dark green paint and special security communications equipment.
Unlike her official state cars, these personal vehicles allowed Her Majesty to enjoy driving without the formality of a chauffeur.
28. MG Midget
Royal fun in a tiny package! Princess Margaret owned one of these diminutive British sports cars in the 1960s, reflecting her more rebellious and fashionable royal image.
The princess reportedly enjoyed zipping around London in her Midget, sometimes giving her security detail a challenge keeping up!
With its tiny dimensions and nimble handling, this playful convertible offered a taste of freedom from royal protocol. Margaret’s model was finished in British racing green with a black interior.
29. Ford Zephyr
Before she was Queen, Princess Elizabeth learned to drive in a military truck during World War II, but her first personal vehicle was far more elegant – a Ford Zephyr.
Gifted to her in 1950, this understated British executive car became a symbol of her practical nature.
The royal Zephyr featured upgraded leather interiors and a special radio system, but otherwise remained remarkably standard.
Elizabeth often drove it herself around Windsor Castle grounds, eschewing chauffeurs when possible.
Palace insiders claim it remained one of her favorite vehicles throughout her life, representing a simpler time before crown responsibilities.
30. Audi A6 Allroad
Surprising petrolheads everywhere, Prince Charles converted his rugged Audi A6 Allroad to run on biodiesel made from surplus wine in 2008!
The environmentally-conscious royal insisted his beloved estate car be modified to accept alternative fuel, specifically bioethanol created from fermented whey from cheese production and wine unfit for consumption.
Mechanics at Audi scratched their heads but delivered a customized fuel system that reduced the vehicle’s carbon footprint by nearly 25%.
The Prince regularly used this modified wagon for countryside excursions to his organic farms.
31. Audi A8
Kate Middleton zipped around London in a midnight-blue Audi A8 during her early royal days, valuing its combination of luxury and anonymity.
Bulletproof glass? Check. Custom security features hidden within seemingly standard panels? Double check.
Royal sources whispered that Kate specifically requested minimal visual security modifications, wanting to blend with traffic when conducting personal errands.
The sleek sedan featured a specially designed privacy system that could instantly transform clear windows to opaque with the press of a button.
32. Audi Q7
When Prince William needed a family-friendly vehicle that could accommodate royal babies, security personnel, and the occasional corgi, he opted for an armored Audi Q7.
Behind its unassuming exterior lurks a fortress on wheels – kevlar-reinforced panels, run-flat tires, and an independent oxygen supply system!
Palace mechanics installed a custom baby-monitoring system allowing William and Kate to check on sleeping royals from the front seats.
The Q7’s third row was converted into a mini-command center for security personnel, complete with communications equipment disguised as standard SUV features.