In a surprising turn of events, the Duke of Norfolk, Edward FitzAlan Howard, found himself in hot water at the Lavender Hill Magistrate's Court.
Despite his prominent role in organizing grand royal events, such as the Platinum Jubilee and the State Opening of Parliament, the 65-year-old Earl Marshal was handed a six-month driving prohibition.
The Duke, also known as God's Grace the Duke of Norfolk, was caught red-handed using his cell phone while driving, leading to a hefty £800 fine, £350 in expenses, and an £80 victim surcharge.
Additionally, he received six penalty points on his license for the offense that took place on April 7 when he ran a red light in Battersea Park Road.
Arguing his case in court, the Duke emphasized the vital role his vehicle plays in his professional duties.
He expressed concerns about the impact of losing his driving privileges on his ability to oversee significant royal events and particularly highlighted the necessity of his four-wheel drive for commuting between his home in Arundel and office, which are four miles apart.
Despite the defense attorney, Natasha Dardashti, advocating for the Duke's driving rights due to his crucial responsibilities, the magistrate, Judith Way, remained firm in her decision.
She acknowledged the Duke's societal standing and the importance of the upcoming King Charles III's coronation but deemed the hardship caused by the driving ban as not exceptional.
The Duke, who succeeded his father as the 18th Duke of Norfolk in 2002, played a pivotal role in organizing the Queen's funeral, a duty he described as both humbling and daunting.
The recent event saw over 2,000 attendees, including world leaders and foreign royals, gather at Westminster Abbey to bid farewell to the nation's longest-reigning monarch.
In a separate royal news development, Prince Harry has been cautioned about the potential consequences of altering details in his upcoming memoir.
The Duke of Sussex, who recently signed a lucrative £35 million book deal, could risk losing a substantial portion of the compensation if he tones down criticisms of his family in the autobiography.
The warning comes amidst ongoing tensions within the royal family, with Harry and Meghan Markle making headlines for their controversial exit from royal duties and subsequent public revelations about their experiences within the institution.
The couple's candid interviews and accusations of misconduct have stirred significant debate and speculation about the future dynamics within the royal household.
As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex navigate their post-royal life and continue to make waves in the media, the possibility of reconciliation within the royal family remains uncertain.
Despite their differences and past grievances, the recent shared mourning over the Queen's passing has hinted at potential avenues for healing and reconciliation among the royals.
