Anne Honor Mary Beckwith-Smith, the longest-serving Lady-in-Waiting to Princess Diana, has been banned from driving for six months after being caught speeding for the fourth time. The 74-year-old former royal attendant fought to retain her licence, insisting she required it to travel from her £2.2 million property in Onslow Square, South Kensington, to visit her ailing brother in Wiltshire.
Court Rejects Hardship Claim
However, Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court determined that a disqualification would not cause her 'considerable hardship' and imposed the half-year ban. In addition to the driving prohibition, Beckwith-Smith has been fined £307, with £130 in costs and a £123 victim surcharge order.
She pleaded guilty to driving her blue Audi Q2 at 36mph in a 30mph zone on South Street, Wilton, Salisbury, Wiltshire, on August 7 last year. This marked her fourth speeding offence, leading to the court's decisive action against the retired royal aide.
Royal Service and Modern Changes
Anne Beckwith-Smith served as Princess Diana's Lady-in-Waiting from 1981 until Diana's tragic death in 1997, making her the longest-serving attendant in that role. As a Lady-in-Waiting, she assisted Diana with official duties and, by 1986, also acted as an Assistant Private Secretary. For her dedicated service, she was appointed a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (L.V.O.).
A Lady-in-Waiting traditionally serves as a personal attendant to a female member of the Royal Family, functioning as a trusted companion, secretary, and aide. However, in 2022, Queen Consort Camilla abolished the position at Buckingham Palace, ending a centuries-old tradition. Ladies-in-waiting had played a crucial part in royal life, accompanying the late Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret, and Diana on official duties and foreign tours.
Transition to Queen's Companions
In a sign of Camilla's more streamlined approach, the role has been replaced by six aides styled as 'Queen's Companions.' As Catherine, Princess of Wales, prepares for her future role as Queen, she is expected to follow Camilla's lead by adopting this modern and less formal terminology, reflecting evolving royal household practices.
The driving ban highlights a personal challenge for Beckwith-Smith, contrasting with her decades of dignified service to the monarchy. Her case underscores the legal consequences of repeated traffic violations, even for individuals with distinguished backgrounds.
