
Queen Elizabeth II's relationship with Land Rover extends back to 1948, when her father King George VI was presented with the 100th production vehicle. Pictured is Her Majesty in 1956 at the Badminton Horse Trials in Gloucestershire, England.

Her Majesty toured the Commonwealth in 1953 aboard a bespoke Land Rover supplied by the company. The "State Review" vehicle traveled on a 71,000 kilometer (44,000 mile) journey which lasted six months.

Queen Elizabeth II first learned to drive in 1945 as part of the Auxiliary Territorial Service, when she was trained as a mechanic and military truck driver. Interestingly the monarch doesn't require a license to hit the roads, although she sometimes opts for a butler these days, such as this shot from the Windsor Horse Show, 1985.

The Queen has often been pictured behind the wheel of Land Rovers, particularly on her estates. In one famous anecdote which reemerged after the death of Saudi King Abdullah, Her Majesty was said to have driven the then-prince around her Balmoral estate in 1998. Not used to a woman behind the wheel and concerned with her speed, through an interpreter Prince Abdullah "implored the Queen to slow down and concentrate on the road ahead" according to former Ambassador Sherard Cowper-Coles.
Here, Queen Elizabeth II is seen reflected in the wing mirror of her Land Rover.
Here, Queen Elizabeth II is seen reflected in the wing mirror of her Land Rover.

The "State Review" Land Rover, this time in Ibadan, Nigeria. Later in 1978 a Series 3 Land Rover was modified for Her Majesty, including a traffic light system with which the Queen could direct the driver to either stop, slow down or continue.

Queen Elizabeth II drives her Range Rover as she attends Windsor Horse Show on May 12, 2011 in Windsor, England.

Queen Elizabeth II drives a Range Rover at the International Carriage Driving Grand Prix event of the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Along with Jaguar, Land Rover is the only automotive manufacturer to hold all three Royal Warrants from Her Majesty The Queen, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.

The Land Rover has also proved to be a hit with other royals. For instance, Diana, Princess of Wales, watched the Grand National from the bonnet of a Land Rover in 1982. The Prince and Princess of Wales waved to well-wishers as they were driven along a beach in Australia in 1988, while Zara Phillips unveiled a limited edition Land Rover at the 2007 British Red Cross Ball.


