√Position vacant: Royal chauffeur

UPDATE, Friday 9 September 2022: With the news of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s death today, Drive is revisiting a handful of stories about the Queen published over the years.

Vale Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 1926 – 2022.

This article was originally published on 16 August 2012.

Thousands of Aussies head to the UK every year to explore different career opportunities – but a job has just cropped up that is aimed squarely at car lovers… and devout monarchists.

The official website of the British Monarchy has posted an ad for the position of chauffeur, with the successful applicant required to drive members of the Royal Family to and from events across the UK.

Requirements include a “full clean UK driving licence” and “clear communication skills with an ability to deploy tact and diplomacy when necessary”. We presume that means not telling the Queen to “belt up and shut up”.

Reporting to the Head Chauffeur, the role also involves helping to maintain the cars, and the ad stipulates that “professional driving experience would be an advantage”.

According to the same website, the Queen’s cars include eight limos: two Bentleys, three Daimlers and three Rolls-Royces. It’s not all grandiose motoring, though, as the fleet also includes a number of Volkswagen vans and the Queen herself also likes to get about in a Range Rover occasionally. There’s no guarantee of leather-clad luxury either. Her Majesty reportedly prefers cloth seats.

Although the 48 hour-per-week position seems prestigious, the pay is just £23,000 ($34,300). The perk? Accommodation is available, and the role is based out of the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace.