Dutch Royal Carriages, Cars, Ships and Airplanes

[IslandDweller]

I remember um-teen years ago the photo elsewhere on this forum of then-Queen Beatrix getting out from behind the wheel of her Ford Focus estate. It was charming that the monarch drove such an un-flashy car. Unfortunately, the link to the photo is now broken. If anyone knows where it, or any others of the aged Beatrix driving, are located, I would love to see. Thanks!

[Jacknch]

I've not been able to find any photos of Beatrix driving a car herself, but I did find this interesting link of all the official cars used by the Dutch Royal Family almost up to the present day:

http://www.paul-wouters.nl/koninklijk.htm

[Duc_et_Pair]

Originally Posted by IslandDweller

I remember um-teen years ago the photo elsewhere on this forum of then-Queen Beatrix getting out from behind the wheel of her Ford Focus estate. It was charming that the monarch drove such an un-flashy car. Unfortunately, the link to the photo is now broken. If anyone knows where it, or any others of the aged Beatrix driving, are located, I would love to see. Thanks!

I thought Princess - Queen - Princess Beatrix has driven Volvo cars for more than 60 years. In private that is. I do remember a Ford Focus Station as private car indeed (or was it one of the staff fleet, loaned by the Queen?).

In the first two decades of her reign Queen Beatrix had Ford as standard supplier to the royal fleet. In her last decade Volvo became the standard car and now under King Willem-Alexander the official fleet consists of Audi cars. But outside the official fleet they drive Volvo XC90 .

The first two decades under Beatrix with Ford Granada and Ford Scorpio as official royal cars were horrible. I have never understood what the Queen saw in those cars.

[Marengo]

They came at a bargain perhaps?

Queen Juliana also used a Ford during her reign:

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7034/6...5926842b_b.jpg

And the 1937 car accident of Prince Bernhard was also with a Ford:

https://historiek.net/het-auto-ongel...rd-1937/39015/

[anirac]

Originally Posted by IslandDweller

I remember um-teen years ago the photo elsewhere on this forum of then-Queen Beatrix getting out from behind the wheel of her Ford Focus estate. It was charming that the monarch drove such an un-flashy car. Unfortunately, the link to the photo is now broken. If anyone knows where it, or any others of the aged Beatrix driving, are located, I would love to see. Thanks!

I knew exactly which one you meant but it took me a while (btw it is a Ford Focus indeed)

https://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?pic...ge=67&pos=1982
https://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?pic...ge=67&pos=1981
https://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?pic...ge=66&pos=1980

[An Ard Ri]

Are the vintage cars ever used by the RF or just on permanent display?

[IslandDweller]

Originally Posted by anirac

I knew exactly which one you meant but it took me a while (btw it is a Ford Focus indeed)

https://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?pic...ge=67&pos=1982
https://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?pic...ge=67&pos=1981
https://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?pic...ge=66&pos=1980

Thank you!!!

I wonder if it's ever been confirmed if she was indeed the person who drove the Twingo over the bollard.

https://www.motor1.com/news/101343/d...%20after%20all.

We know from the Focus she's not above driving a cheap set of wheels.

[anirac]

Originally Posted by IslandDweller

Thank you!!!

I wonder if it's ever been confirmed if she was indeed the person who drove the Twingo over the bollard.

https://www.motor1.com/news/101343/d...%20after%20all.

We know from the Focus she's not above driving a cheap set of wheels.

No, it was not her. It seems that it was her hairstylist. But no official confirmations of course.