Royal Duke Faces Driving Ban After Using Phone While Organising Queen’s Burial

In a surprising turn of events, the Duke of Norfolk, Edward FitzAlan Howard, found himself in hot water as he was handed a six-month driving ban by the Lavender Hill Magistrate's Court.

Despite his plea to be exempt from overseeing the coronation of the King, the 65-year-old Earl Marshal was forced to abstain from driving due to his reckless behavior on the road.

The Duke, known for organizing Her Majesty's Royal Burial and overseeing significant royal events such as the Platinum Jubilee and the State Opening of Parliament, admitted to using his cell phone while driving, leading to his driving prohibition.

Along with the ban, he was slapped with an £800 fine, £350 in expenses, an £80 victim surcharge, and six penalty points for the offense.

The court heard that on April 7, the Duke was caught by officers using his phone after running a red light in Battersea Park Road.

Despite his arguments in court that losing his driving privileges would hinder his ability to plan King Charles III's grandiose coronation, the magistrate, Judith Way, remained unmoved and enforced the ban.

Natasha Dardashti, the Duke's defense attorney, emphasized the importance of his role in planning significant national events like the coronation, stating that his driving capabilities were essential for the successful execution of his duties.

However, the court deemed that alternative arrangements could be made to address any inconvenience caused by the driving ban.

The 18th Duke of Norfolk, who succeeded his father in 2002 and is an Oxford-educated father of five, expressed his dedication to his responsibilities, including the honor and duty of organizing the Queen's burial.

The recent funeral ceremony, attended by world leaders and foreign royals at Westminster Abbey, marked a poignant moment in history as the nation bid farewell to its longest-reigning monarch.

In a separate news development, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, faced potential repercussions for his upcoming memoir as warnings surfaced that any criticism directed towards his family could result in a significant reduction of his compensation.

With a £35 million book deal at stake, including four books, Prince Harry received £17.5 million but risks losing part of it if he alters the content to downplay any contentious issues.

Despite the ongoing tensions within the royal family, including Harry's strained relationship with his father, King Charles III, and brother, Prince William, there have been glimpses of unity during significant events such as the recent state burial of the Queen.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have embarked on a new chapter outside the royal fold, continue to navigate the complexities of their public image and relationship with the monarchy.

As the Duke of Sussex grapples with the implications of his forthcoming memoir and the potential fallout from its content, the royal family remains under scrutiny for their handling of past controversies and internal strife.

Amidst these challenges, the dynamics within the royal hierarchy continue to evolve, reflecting a modern era of change and adaptation within the centuries-old institution.