Britain's Queen reportedly gets sat nav for cars

Nov 11, 2005, 9:06 GMT

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has reportedly splashed out on hi-tech satellite navigation for all her cars.

The 79-year-old monarch - who recently learned how to send text messages using mobile phones - was spotted using the equipment as she drove her swanky Daimler-Jaguar in Windsor Great Park last Sunday (06.11.05).

The systems have reportedly been fitted to all the Queen's cars.

An onlooker is quoted in Britain's The Sun newspaper as saying: "When she started the ignition the sat-nav came on.

"It's amusing the Queen has the same problems as the rest of us abut getting lost - but she's done something about it."

A spokesman for Buckingham Palace said: "The Queen enjoys driving but usually takes the wheel only on royal estates. The sat-nav systems will be of great use to her chauffeurs on the road."

It is not the first time the monarch has shown an interest in modern technology.

Earlier this year, it was reported she had asked one of her members of staff to get her an iPod.

It is believed she was convinced to buy the mini-iPod - which can store up to 1,500 songs - by son Prince Andrew, who is famed for his love of technology.

A royal source said at the time: "The Queen loves music and was impressed by how small and handy the iPod is.

"Obviously it is quite complicated to download songs but I'm sure Andrew will help out because he is a real dab hand with gadgets."

Copyright 2005 BANG Media International