Prince Philip's Secret Black Cab Journeys

In an unexpected twist to the often stately and formal lives of the British Royal Family, it was revealed that Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, had a rather unconventional method of navigating the bustling streets of London: he drove his own black cab. Far from the chauffeur-driven Rolls Royces or Range Rovers one might expect, the Duke opted for a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) powered Metrocab, a vehicle synonymous with the everyday Londoner's commute. This fascinating choice allowed him to travel around the city largely unnoticed, offering a rare glimpse into the Duke’s pragmatic and perhaps even mischievous personality.

The revelation that the 99-year-old husband to the Queen once piloted a black cab himself is a testament to his known desire for privacy and his hands-on approach to life. The Metrocab, delivered to the royal household in 1999, became his preferred mode of transport for certain engagements, enabling him to blend into the urban landscape. At a time when black cabs were, and largely remain, one of London's most in-demand vehicles, ferrying countless individuals from A to B, the Duke's choice was both ingenious and remarkably humble for a member of the Royal Family. It underscored his practical nature and a desire to experience the city from a different perspective, away from the usual pomp and ceremony.

The Duke's Unconventional Commute: A Quest for Anonymity

For a figure as globally recognised as Prince Philip, achieving genuine anonymity in London would be an immense challenge. Yet, his Metrocab offered a surprising solution. By driving a vehicle so ubiquitous on London's roads, the Duke could effectively become just another driver, navigating the city's labyrinthine streets without drawing undue attention. This wasn't merely a matter of convenience; it was a deliberate choice for incognito travel, allowing him a degree of freedom and normalcy rarely afforded to royals. The very ordinariness of the black cab became its greatest asset in this royal pursuit of privacy.

Imagine the scene: a London black cab, seemingly indistinguishable from thousands of others, smoothly cruising through the capital. Only upon closer inspection, perhaps at a traffic light or a brief stop, might one have realised the surprising identity of its driver. This innovative use of a common public service vehicle for private, royal transport speaks volumes about Prince Philip's character – his resourcefulness, his desire to avoid fuss, and perhaps even a subtle sense of humour about his position.

The Metrocab: A Royal Vehicle with a Difference

The specific vehicle chosen by Prince Philip was a Metrocab, distinct for being powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). In 1999, this made it a cutting-edge and environmentally conscious choice for its time, as it was reportedly the only one of its type in the world. The Metrocab itself represented a more modern iteration of the classic London black cab, designed to be more fuel-efficient and spacious than its predecessors, while still adhering to the stringent regulations that govern London taxis, such as the famous 25-foot turning circle. Its sleek design and improved ergonomics made it a popular choice among cabbies looking to upgrade from the venerable FX4. For the Duke, its modern features and discreet appearance made it an ideal personal vehicle.

To understand the Metrocab's place in London's taxi history, it's useful to compare it with other prominent models of its era:

Evolution of London Black Cabs: Metrocab vs. Contemporaries

The Metrocab, while perhaps not as universally recognised as the FX4 or TX models, held its own as a symbol of progress within the London taxi fleet, and its unique royal association undoubtedly elevates its historical significance.

Beyond the Cab: Prince Philip's Driving Prowess

Prince Philip was certainly no stranger to being behind the wheel. His comfort and skill as a driver were well-documented, extending far beyond his personal black cab. In April 2016, during a visit to the UK by former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, the Duke famously took the wheel of a Range Rover to drive them to Windsor Castle after the Marine One presidential helicopter had landed nearby. With Barack in the passenger seat and the Queen and Michelle comfortably seated in the back, the image of the Duke navigating the castle's quadrangle in a Range Rover became an enduring symbol of his hands-on approach and his warm, informal manner when hosting dignitaries. This instance, combined with his private Metrocab, paints a picture of a royal who genuinely enjoyed the act of driving and valued the independence it afforded him.

A Place in History: The Royal Fleet at Sandringham

Today, Prince Philip's unique 1999 Metrocab has found its permanent home among other distinguished royal vehicles at the Sandringham Museum in Norfolk. It stands as a fascinating testament to his unconventional tastes and his connection to everyday British life. The Metrocab is part of an impressive collection that showcases the automotive history of the Royal Family, offering visitors a glimpse into the private transport choices of monarchs and their consorts through the decades. This collection includes a 1900 Daimler owned by Edward VII, Daimlers belonging to George V and the Queen Mother, a state Rolls Royce, and a 1963 Range Rover once owned by the Queen herself.

Beyond the full-sized vehicles, the museum also displays more personal and whimsical items, such as the late Queen Mother's golf buggy and a charming reproduction of a Citroen C4 made for the Queen and Princess Margaret when they were children. This miniature car was later passed on to Prince Charles during his own childhood, adding another layer of family history to the collection. The inclusion of the Metrocab within such a prestigious and historically rich array of vehicles truly elevates its status from a mere taxi to a significant piece of royal heritage.

The Enduring Charm of the London Black Cab

Prince Philip's choice of a black cab for personal use highlights the enduring appeal and unique status of these vehicles in London. More than just a mode of transport, the London black cab is an iconic symbol of the city, instantly recognisable worldwide. Its design, with its distinctive silhouette and ample interior space, is specifically tailored to navigate London's historic streets and cater to its passengers' needs, including the ability to carry luggage and accommodate wheelchairs.

What truly sets London black cabs apart is the legendary 'Knowledge of London' – a rigorous and demanding test of memory and navigation that prospective drivers must pass. This requires them to memorise every street, landmark, and point of interest within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross, ensuring they can take any passenger from any point A to any point B without the aid of a map or GPS. This unparalleled expertise contributes to the black cab's reputation for reliability, efficiency, and safety, making them a trusted choice for locals and tourists alike. For someone like Prince Philip, who valued efficiency and precision, the inherent capabilities of a black cab to navigate the city seamlessly, combined with the anonymity it offered, must have been incredibly appealing.

From their origins as horse-drawn hansom cabs to the modern electric taxis now gracing the streets, the black cab has evolved while retaining its core identity and commitment to service. They represent a blend of tradition and practicality, a characteristic that perhaps resonated with the Duke himself. His adoption of a black cab, therefore, was not just a quirky royal anecdote; it was a nod to a quintessentially British institution, chosen for its intrinsic qualities of discretion and dependability.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prince Philip's Black Cab

Why did Prince Philip drive a black cab?

Prince Philip drove a black cab primarily for personal use, allowing him to travel around London largely unnoticed and without the formality of a full royal entourage. It offered him a degree of anonymity and independence that was otherwise difficult to achieve as a prominent member of the Royal Family.

What type of black cab did he own?

He owned a Metrocab, specifically a model powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which was delivered to him in 1999. It was noted for being a modern and environmentally conscious choice for its time.

Was Prince Philip a licensed taxi driver?

No, Prince Philip was not a licensed taxi driver in the commercial sense. He owned the Metrocab as a private vehicle for his personal use. To operate a taxi commercially in London, one requires a Public Carriage Office (PCO) licence and must pass 'The Knowledge', which he would not have needed for private driving.

Is the Metrocab still in use today as a London taxi?

While some older Metrocabs might still be in private hands or used for specific purposes, the model has largely been superseded in the active London taxi fleet by newer, more modern vehicles, including the TX4 and the latest electric models.

Where can I see Prince Philip's black cab?

Prince Philip's 1999 Metrocab is now on display at the Sandringham Museum in Norfolk, where it is part of a larger collection of royal vehicles, offering visitors a unique insight into the Royal Family's transport history.

Prince Philip's decision to drive a black cab remains one of the more charming and surprising details of his long and distinguished life. It underscores his practical nature, his desire for privacy, and his unique connection to the everyday fabric of British life. The Metrocab, once a discreet mode of transport for a royal, now stands as a beloved exhibit, telling a story of independence, ingenuity, and the enduring charm of a truly British icon.

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