Duke of Edinburgh’s Road Accident

[SirGawain]

AIBU to ask why on earth is the Duke of Edinburgh driving at the age of 97.

Similar range of big boxy cars is what I’m referring too

In comparison to other car involved

Ah right, here we go. Apparently, one of the women on the collision is considering a personal injury claim!
Do I win 5 quid?

Yes, you get the £5 forbthe fact that she has said so in the press!

In truth, had I ended up with s broken wrist I probably would too, via my insurance. But what I would not do is talk to the Press about it. At all.

Why is the press howling that he hasn't apologised? I though that the accepted wisdom in such situations was that you shouldn't, as it implies responsibility for the accident. Granted, this looks like he was at fault but even so. And even a courtesy, "hope you're OK" message would likely be misinterpreted- although it has been reported that he spoke to them at the scene. Maybe he thinks he's covered that.

Ah right, here we go. Apparently, one of the women on the collision is considering a personal injury claim!

As is her right. Maybe she's on the payroll of the government to keep the headlines away from Brexit?

"The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh would like to be remembered to you." what does that mean?

It's meaningless upper class waffle for 'we are sorry but can't say so because the insurance company don't want us to admit liability'
Something like that anyway.

If it was his fault, he should admit liability, apologise and send flowers. He should also stop driving immediately as no person will have reaction times fit for driving at that age.

I don’t agree with the women going to the press but I have no issue with her making any financial claim for personal injury, particularly if she is out of pocket with not being able to work.

I think the woman was right to go to the press, because press reports had been leaked (probably from Royal PR) that get well wishes or something similar had been sent. That is untrue. It is also in the public’s interest to know if a senior royal is engaging in dangerous behaviour, particularly if there is no sign of stopping it.

^
This

Under normal circumstances your advised not to admit liability to anyone, just stop your car and exchange details and insurers and let them battle it out, end off!.

And IIRC only call the old bill if someone has bene hurt or injured.

Ok, I can see the (game playing) logic behind exchanging details.
But the cynicism of the palace saying the injured people in the other car had been contacted and then the breath taking arrogance of Prince Phillip driving around without a seatbelt. His ppo’s should just take the keys off him. What’s he going to do?

Justaboy

The ‘don’t say sorry’ approach only arises if there is a grey area and you think you’re probably right. If it’s obviously your fault then you should accept it and apologise. Also the Duke is not an ordinary person. He can afford to pay the cost of compensating the others who were injured (assuming it’s his fault). He doesn’t need to hide behind insurance. He is also a person who lives his life of privilege courtesy of the public, so a certain standard of behaviour is rightly expected of him.

BrightStarrySky, Are you saying that with any degree of authority? That you "should accept it and apologise?" Or are you inventing it?

Also, why do you believe he is "hiding behind insurance?" It is everybody's right (who has insurance) to claim on it and follow their requested procedures.

Sorry but I would go to the press and make as much as I could out if the incident afterall royalty “live off”the state due to their birthright they haven’t done anything out if the ordinary

"The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh would like to be remembered to you." what does that mean?

I will bet the policeman who passed the message on paraphrased, and then the woman reporting it to the pres again paraphrased. It is entirely possibly the press have too. I think the chances of the Palace Spokesman actually sending a message on behalf of the DoE saying "The D of E and the Queen would like to be remembered to you" is very low.

With regard to not calling the Police unless someone is injured presumably his CP team have a hotline to the Police, who would attend.
My DH frequently comes home and says 'X wishes to be remembered to you' but it is in the context of someone who we know but haven't seen for some time. It is out of place in this situation unless the Queen and the Duke knew these people previously.

As I've said before, given that she lied about the weather on the day of the accident, I don't believe a word this woman says about anything. She's milking her five minutes of fame for every drop she can get out of it.

If, as suggested, he pulled out of a turning without due care and attention, what would be the result for Joe Public aged 97. Does anyone know?

My late father, who was an atrocious driver, had 3 accidents where he had done just that. Each time he was prosecuted, got a fine and points on his licence.

I don't know what's more remarkable, that he ever got a licence at all, or that he never actually got banned.

given that she lied about the weather on the day of the accident

I'm impressed at your inside knowledge of the weather conditions, given you were twenty miles away at the time.

He should also stop driving immediately as no person will have reaction times fit for driving at that age.
Do you know this for certain? If so, please give your working.

Can you also say how you wish to deal with younger people with poor reaction times?

Bluelady - this lady was injured due to what appears to be Prince Philip’s fault . Of course she isn’t happy. She’s probably in pain, difficulties for her to do normal day to day activities, work, drive etc. If I was her I’d be instructed my solicitor to recover compensation.

The Royals and anyone else with sufficient funds can self-insure, in which case the piffling requirements of Insurers don't apply.

If, as suggested, he pulled out of a turning without due care and attention, what would be the result for Joe Public aged 97. Does anyone know?
Always depends on the facts of the case. I have been very surprised at the spectacularly shit things that don't get prosecuted and the minor stuff that gets a big penalty.

The fact that wealthy people "can" self-insure does not, however, mean that the Royal Family do.