In a shocking incident that has raised questions about royal privilege and road safety, the Duke of Kent found himself at the centre of a terrifying car crash that left a mother permanently scarred.
The Moment of Impact
The 88-year-old royal, a cousin to the late Queen Elizabeth II, was behind the wheel of his Volkswagen when he collided with another vehicle near his Kensington residence. The consequences were devastating for the other driver, a mother whose face was sliced open by broken glass from the impact.
"I saw my face in the mirror and I was covered in blood," the victim recounted in her emotional victim statement. "The cut was so deep I could see inside my face."
Courtroom Controversy
Despite the severity of the injuries and the Duke's admission of driving without due care and attention, Westminster Magistrates' Court handed down what many are calling a surprisingly lenient punishment. The royal received:
- A £2,500 fine
- Three penalty points on his licence
- No driving ban
The ruling has sparked outrage among road safety campaigners, who question whether justice was truly served for the victim's life-changing injuries.
Lasting Trauma
The mother involved in the crash continues to suffer both physically and emotionally. She described ongoing pain, numbness, and the psychological impact of seeing her scarred reflection daily.
"Every time I look in the mirror, I'm reminded of that day," she told the court. The visible scar serves as a permanent reminder of the royal's dangerous driving.
Royal Accountability Questioned
This incident raises important questions about whether members of the royal family are held to the same standards as ordinary citizens when it comes to road safety and legal accountability. With the victim facing permanent disfigurement, many are asking if the punishment truly fits the crime.
The case continues to generate discussion about road safety awareness and the importance of careful driving, regardless of one's social status or position.
