There is no denying that late British monarch Queen Elizabeth II enjoyed a life well lived. Land Rover and its vehicles played a major role in this, helping her complete state duties, while also enabling her to enjoy much-loved country pursuits. Having joined the British Armed Forces Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), during World War II, Queen Elizabeth II gained extensive mechanical knowledge and driving experience.
After the war ended, a love for vehicles ensued and would continue until the end of her life. Here are 10 facts that show how Queen Elizabeth II had a special connection to Land Rover.
10 Queen Elizabeth II Completed Many Engagements In Land Rovers
One of the things late monarch Queen Elizabeth II will be best remembered for is her selfless devotion to public service. Her last duty was appointing the 15th prime minister during her reign, Liz Truss, just two days before her death at Balmoral. She traveled widely and completed engagements all across the world. Land Rovers played a prominent role in many of these.
The Queen undertook an inaugural 6-month tour of the Commonwealth in 1953. For use during the trip, Land Rover supplied several specially commissioned Land Rover's widely known as the "State Review". The car featured an open-top design and enabled those who had gathered to get an elevated view of the Queen and Duke. An updated version was revealed in 2015, taking the form of a long wheelbase, diesel hybrid L405 Range Rover. The car was designed and built by Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO).
9 She Used A Personal Defender To Get Around Balmoral
Originally built for Queen Victoria by her husband Prince Albert, Balmoral Castle was a favorite residence of Queen Elizabeth II. Located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, the vast estate was used for her summer escapes.
To enable the Queen to navigate across the 50,000 acres, she was frequently spotted in her trusty Defender. The car's renowned off-road ability would have surely been put to the test, facing the harsh terrain and weather found in this corner of Scotland.
8 Her Husband’s Final Journey Was Made In A Custom Defender Hearse
The Queen's beloved husband Prince Philip, Duke Of Edinburgh, was a real character. He was often credited with putting guests of the Queen at ease, with his witty comments and dry sense of humor. Despite his royal trappings, he was a relatively modest man, who appreciated the mechanical beauty of the Defender.
In 2003, the Duke and Land Rover began designing a custom-built TD5 130 Defender to be used for his final journey. The hearse was finished in a dark green known as "Dark Bronze Green", which is the same tone used on many military Land Rovers. The rear of the Defender featured an open-top design, which was specially designed to hold his coffin. The truly unique design saw him off in style, following his death aged 99 in April 2021.
7 She Was A Long Time L322 Range Rover Owner
One of the cars the monarch owned the longest was a dark green L322 Range Rover. The car was in the Queen's possession for at least 15 years, and such was the bond she shared with the vehicle, never upgraded.
The classic and classy design suited the royal to the ground and would have afforded a great deal of luxury during her personal usage. The front of the hood was adorned with a Labrador Retriever mascot, signifying her love for animals and dogs in particular.
6 Queen Elizabeth II Issued The Brand A Royal Warrant
The Queen and other select members of the royal family are able to issue "Royal Warrants". Granted as a mark of recognition to companies that regularly supply the Queen, there is a lot of prestige associated with a Royal Warrant. Those selected, are able to display the "Royal Arms" in relation to their business, on websites, stores, and branding.
The Queen awarded Land Rover their Royal Warrant in 1951, having grown up around their products. She took delivery of her first Land Rover not long before ascending to the throne in 1952. The company is actually a triple warrant holder, having also been appointed by the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Charles, now known as King Charles III.
5 Many Visits To Land Rover’s Factory Have Been Made
During her life, the Queen made visits to many organizations and manufacturing plants. She visited Land Rover's facilities many times and even opened their new engine plant in 2014.
The engagements helped connect her with the Land Rover workforce as well as giving her an insight into how her favored Land Rovers were produced.
4 President Obama Was Personally Picked Up In Her Husband’s Range Rover
In 2016, then US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama traveled to Windsor Castle for a private lunch with the Queen. Having landed in the grounds on Marine One, Prince Philip and the Queen drove to greet them.
Much to the dismay of the United States Secret Service, the Royal couple directed the Obamas into their L405 Range Rover for the short journey back to the castle. The Range Rover, painted in a deep metallic blue, was as you might expect, a top-of-the-range "Autobiography."
3 She Has Owned Numerous Land Rovers Over The Years
Demonstrating just how much of a fan the Queen was of the brand, she is estimated to have owned in the region of 30 vehicles.
The Defender and Range Rover were her most favored models, with many examples of each owned and used over the years. The Duke was a big fan of the Freelander, having several dotted around the royal estates. In 2019, he was involved in a collision in one of his Freelanders, near the Sandringham estate.
2 Land Rovers Complemented Her Lifestyle
As a huge fan of outdoor pursuits, Land Rover's portfolio of models was an ideal fit. In her time away from royal duties, the Queen loved nothing more than getting out into the country and indulging in traditional pastimes. From stalking deer to shooting game and rural picnics, a dependable off-road vehicle was a necessity.
Land Rovers provided the ability to reach the best spots, all while carrying the dogs, necessary gear, and of course returning the spoils of hunting. Horses were another massive passion of hers, and the Queen could often be seen behind the wheel of a Land Rover traveling around a horse trial event.
1 Her Father Was A Massive Fan Of The Brand
Arguably, the link between the Royal Family and Land Rover began back in 1948. King George VI, the Queen's father, was gifted the hundredth Land Rover to roll off the production line. The brand, originally known as the "Rover Company", was founded in 1885 and produced bicycles. It was not until 1947 that they started producing an off-road vehicle known simply as "Land Rover."
Loving the vehicle, he awarded the brand a royal warrant in 1951. The relationship between King George and Land Rover was ultimately a short one, as he died in February 1952 following complications from lung surgery. Aged just 56, he would no doubt have continued to use Land Rover products for many more years, had it not been for his untimely death.