Inside the Royal Garage: The 40 Most Expensive And Luxurious Cars Owned By The Royal Family
The British Royal Family is synonymous with grandeur, and their choice of vehicles reflects their unparalleled taste and status. From bespoke Rolls-Royce limousines to super-exclusive Bentleys, the royal fleet includes some of the most exquisite and expensive cars in the world.
Each vehicle owned by the Royal Family has been tailored with unique features, ranging from reinforced security measures to luxurious interiors designed for maximum comfort during official engagements. These cars also hold significant historical and sentimental value, due to which collectors are willing to pay any amount for them. Today, let’s have a look at some of the most expensive vehicles ever owned by the Royal Family.
The Royal Trust's Bentley State Limousine - $12 Million
Crafted for Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee in 2002, the Bentley State Limousine is the pinnacle of royal luxury. With only two ever made (both owned by the Royal Trust), this exclusive $12 million masterpiece is reserved for state occasions. The vehicle features an armoured body, blast-resistant chassis, Kevlar-reinforced tyres, and an airtight cabin to protect against gas attacks.
Based on the Bentley Arnage, it is powered by a modified 6.75-litre V8 engine that produces 400bhp and enables a top speed of 130mph. The vehicle has a raised roof, raised rear seats, and panoramic glasshouse to make sure the Monarch is visible to the public.
The Royal Trust's Gold State Coach - $2 Million
Commissioned by King George III in 1760, the Gold State Coach is one of the most iconic symbols of the British monarchy. Valued at over $2 million, the coach is a gilded masterpiece and an epitome of royal grandeur. It was first used in 1762 for the State Opening of Parliament, and has been a part of every coronation since that of William IV in 1831.
The coach was last seen during the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, when it transported them from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace on May 06, 2023. Despite being drawn by eight Windsor Greys, it moved at a walking pace due to its immense weight of 4.5 tonnes.
King Charles' Aston Martin DB6 Volante: $1.2 Million
King Charles received this stunning Aston Martin DB6 Volante as a 21st birthday gift from Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Finished in Seychelles Blue, this 1969 convertible is valued at over $1.2 million and remains one of the King’s most prized possessions. Its connection to royal milestones runs deep – it was used as William and Kate's going-away car during their wedding in 2011.
In 2008, Charles had the car converted to run on environment-friendly bioethanol made from leftover wine and cheese by-products. The car uses around three to four bottles of wine per mile. Despite initial skepticism from engineers, the modification worked and even improved performance.
Queen Elizabeth's Rolls Royce Phantom VI - $2.6 Million
Queen Elizabeth’s 1950 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI is a masterpiece of luxury and rarity. This prestigious car is one of 18 super-exclusive models produced between 1950 and 1956. This alone is sufficient to make it a remarkably sought-after car, so just imagine its worth when it ended up in the Queen’s Collection.
In 2018, the car captured worldwide attention when it became available for enthusiasts to acquire. An icon of regal sophistication and royal heritage, the value of this car is estimated at more than $2.6 million today.
The Royal Trust's Scottish State Coach - $4.5 Million
An elegant four-horse-drawn carriage, the Scottish State Coach was originally crafted in 1830 for the Duke of Cambridge. After years of use by the Duke's family, it was sold to William Keppel, 7th Earl of Albemarle, who converted it into a semi-State landau. In 1920, the Keppel family returned the coach as a gift to Queen Mary.
Restored between 1968 and 1969, the coach was redesigned with glass windows, a transparent roof, multiple emblems, and the Crown of Scotland. First used by Queen Elizabeth II in 1969, it has since played key roles in royal events… most recently during the King’s Birthday Parade in 2024.
Princess Diana’s Ford Escort RS Turbo S1 - $850,000
Princess Diana had a fondness for driving herself, and her car choices reflected her unique style. Among her vehicles was a rare Ford Escort RS Turbo, a high-performance model from the mid-1980s. Part of a limited-edition series, these cars were originally all white, but Diana had hers painted black to maintain a low profile.
Diana's 1985 RS Turbo became a sought-after collector’s item, not just for its rarity but also for its royal connection. While a pristine model of this car was valued at around $46,000 in 2022, hers sold for an astounding $850,000 at auction the same year.
Queen Elizabeth's 2009 Range Rover - $270,000
The 2009 Range Rover (CK58 NPJ) was Her Majesty's vehicle of choice ever since it joined the fleet, and she was frequently photographed behind its wheel. In the photo above, the Queen can be seen driving the vehicle as she attends the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2021.
Packed with premium features, the SUV had a panoramic sunroof, rear entertainment system, heated and ventilated seats, a Harmon Kardon audio system, remote park heater, deployable side steps, and luggage guard. The iconic Labrador mascot that once adorned the bonnet has been removed for safekeeping.
Prince William's Audi RS E-Tron GT - $140,000
Prince William’s choice of the 2021 Audi RS E-Tron GT reflects both his commitment to environmentalism and his love for high-performance vehicles. Valued at £115,000, this all-electric supercar perfectly blends sustainability with jaw-dropping power. It comes equipped with dual motors producing 637bhp, and accelerates from 0 to 62mph in just 3.3 seconds.
William’s decision to pivot from petrol to electric aligns with his environmental efforts as the founder of the Earthshot Prize and an advocate for eco-friendly living. Thankfully, his pick of a German brand over a British one stirred no controversy; unlike Princess Diana’s similar choice decades ago.
King Charles' Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante - $700,000
King Charles’s second Aston Martin, a V8 Vantage Volante, was a gift from the Emir of Bahrain. While Charles kept the car's powerful 5.3-litre V8 engine capable of reaching 170 mph, he had Aston Martin remove the Vantage's signature boot spoiler, side skirts, and wheel arches, opting for a subtler look.
In addition, the car was fitted with a manual gearbox and painted in Balmoral Green, matching the design of the model featured in the 1987 James Bond film The Living Daylights. Only 22 cars were built to Charles’s specifications.
Prince William's Audi A6 Hatchback - $103,000
As a family man, Prince William values the spaciousness and comfort offered by the Audi A6 Hatchback, which make it ideal for his family outings. Equipped with a powerful 444-horsepower engine, the A6 delivers robust performance while maintaining understated elegance… but it's still an "everyday" car as per royal standards.
The Royal Family is said to receive as much as 60 percent discount on lease agreements with Audi, which explains why they have such a great affinity for the German manufacturer.
Princess Diana's Ford Escort - $64,000
Princess Diana’s connection to the Ford Escort began in 1981, just months before her fairy-tale wedding to Prince Charles. As Diana transitioned into her royal role, her first high-end vehicle was a gift from Charles: a gray, five-door Ford Escort Ghia. Delivered three months prior to their nuptials, this modest yet elegant car became a symbol of Diana’s early royal years.
Though Diana parted with the car in 1982 for a modest sum of £6,000, its royal provenance and unique story elevated its value over time. Decades later, in 2021, the Escort captured global attention when it was sold at auction for an astonishing £52,640 to a museum in Chile.
King Charles' Aston Martin Virage Volante - $280,000
In the mid-1990s, Charles was mostly seen in a green Aston Martin Virage Volante. This high-performance vehicle had its V8 engine upgraded from 5.2 to 6.3 litres, and had a top speed of 175mph.
The car also had unique modifications, including a police radio, an extra rear-view mirror for the accompanying protection officer, and a custom leather jar to hold sugar cubes for Charles' polo ponies. The car was later auctioned at Bonhams for £230,000. Prince Andrew also has a V8 Volante LWB in the same color.
1902 State Landau Carriage - $1.25 Million
The 1902 State Landau is a magnificent horse-drawn carriage steeped in royal tradition and history. Built by Hooper & Co. for the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, it remains the most splendid landau used by the monarchy. It is drawn by six horses under the guidance of three postilions, with no coachman.
The landau has flexible leather hoods which can be lowered to give spectators a better view of passengers as compared to the closed coaches and other vehicles. Reserved for ceremonial occasions, this iconic carriage has carried a number of royal newlyweds, including Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1981.
King Charles' Jaguar I-PACE - $80,000
The I-Pace wasn't just Jaguar's first all-electric vehicle, it was the Royal Family's first all-electric vehicle as well. King Charles added this eco-friendly SUV to the royal fleet in 2018 due to his dedication toward sustainability.
With 394 horsepower and 512 lb-ft of torque from its dual electric motors, the I-Pace achieves remarkable acceleration, sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. It's also remarkably comfortable and a true standout among luxury EVs. The SUV was auctioned for £64,960 in 2024.
Queen Elizabeth's Range Rover LWB Landaulet - $625,000
The Land Rover Range Rover LWB Landaulet was a bespoke hybrid vehicle designed for the Queen’s public engagements. It featured rearward-opening doors and a retractable roof, allowing the monarch to greet crowds easily. Distinguished by a royal flag mounted on the bonnet, the vehicle also had an electric mode for short, emission-free trips up to a mile.
This hybrid version, equipped with a 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine producing 335 bhp, replaced an older petrol model from 2002. The Queen notably used the vehicle to oversee the Royal Regiment of Artillery’s Tercentenary at Knighton Down in 2016.
The Royal Trust's 1902 Ascot Landau Carriage - $1.25 Million
Built in 1902, the Ascot Landau carriage is a cherished symbol of royal tradition. Housed in the Royal Mews, five of these carriages are reserved for grand occasions such as the Queen's Royal Ascot procession and welcoming Commonwealth High Commissioners.
The Ascot Landau gained significant attention during the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011. It was also used after the wedding service of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, when the newly married couple rode it to travel around Windsor for celebrating the occasion with the general public.
Princess Diana's Austin Mini Metro - $25,970
Princess Diana acquired her dark-red Austin Mini Metro at age 19 during her early courtship with Prince Charles. Diana, who was working as a nanny at a Pimlico kindergarten at the time, was often photographed driving the Metro, affectionately dubbed as her "courting car" by the press, until she sold it in 1981.
Valued at $25,970 today, this humble yet charming vehicle captured public attention at the Festival of the Unexceptional in 2014. Despite its simplicity compared to the luxury vehicles typically associated with royalty, the Mini Metro remains iconic due to Diana's connection.
King Charles' Audi A8 - $90,000
King Charles has been known to use various vehicles as part of his royal fleet. Among them is an Audi A8, a luxury sedan that aligns with his preference for understated yet elegant vehicles.
The A8 features sleek lines, iconic singleframe grille, and matrix lighting, all of which make it elegant without being ostentatious. Moreover, its interior is designed for maximum comfort, featuring heated and ventilated leather seats. Like most of the other cars owned by His Majesty, the A8 has also been customized to suit his needs.
Princess Diana's Ford Escort Convertible - Unknown
In the 1980s, Princess Diana’s love for the Ford Escort Convertible made headlines, reinforcing her reputation as the "People’s Princess." The red Ford Escort 1.6i Convertible, with its iconic open roof, was in the news all the time. However, its bright color and open design posed security concerns.
Despite the Royal family’s preference for luxury brands like Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin, Diana’s insistence on using the Ford Escort led to the creation of RS Turbo Series 1 – a rare and celebrated series symbolizing Diana’s enduring connection with the public!
Queen Elizabeth's 1983 Land Rover Defender 110 - $75,000
Queen Elizabeth's lifelong association with Land Rovers started when King George VI gifted her the 100th Land Rover ever built in 1948. Her Majesty owned a number of Land Rovers during her life, but this 1983 Defender 110 V8 (A444 RYV) was her personal favorite.
The vehicle was equipped with a 3.9L Rover V8 engine, a specially designed manual gearbox, enhanced weatherproofing, and customized door handles for easier access. Her Majesty was photographed numerous times driving this vehicle, including the photo above where she can be seen driving herself to the stables on the Sandringham Estate, Norfolk.
Prince William's Audi A5 - $45,000
Prince William’s affinity for Audi vehicles is well-documented, with the A5 Sportback being a notable mention. In 2011, he transitioned from an Audi S4 to a sleek grey A5 Sportback S-line. The A5's spacious interior, advanced features, and stylish design perfectly suited his requirements.
William and Kate were frequently spotted in this vehicle such as in the photo above, where Kate can be seen leaning on William's car as she watches William and Harry play in The Chakravarty Cup Polo Match 2009 in Tetbury, England.
The Royal Trust's 1954 Land Rover Series 1 - $40,000
The 1954 Land Rover Series 1 (NXN1) was a natural fit for use at Balmoral, Sandringham and other estates due to its reliability in rural settings. Originally ordered by HM King George VI, this iconic Land Rover was frequently used by Queen Elizabeth and senior Royal Family members in the 1950s.
In the photo above, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, can be seen driving this vehicle with The Queen and Duchess of Gloucester as passengers during a tour of the course of the European Horse Trials at Windsor in 1955. The vehicle now resides in the Land Rover Classic collection after its restoration in 2010.
Queen Elizabeth's Vauxhall Cresta PA Friary Estate - $50,000
Rumored to be Queen Elizabeth's favorite car, the 1961 Vauxhall Cresta PA Friary Estate was tailored to her outdoorsy pursuits. The car featured custom additions like fishing rod holders on the roof, a gun rack, a dog guard for her beloved corgis, and unique Imperial Green paintwork. These bespoke touches perfectly suited the late Queen's active lifestyle.
Her Majesty frequently used the Cresta for personal outings. In the image above, she can be seen driving Prince Andrew to the Windsor Horse Trials in 1968. The vehicle today remains preserved in the royal garage at Sandringham.
Royal Trust's Land Rover Series IIA Station Wagon - $90,000
The 1966 Land Rover Series IIA Station Wagon holds a special place in royal motoring history as the first of its kind equipped with a six-cylinder engine. Mostly driven by Queen Elizabeth, this vehicle was customized for royal duties… and featured leather seats, a wooden dog guard, and side steps.
In 2021, this iconic vehicle was seen when Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, arrived at The Palace of Holyroodhouse to host a drive-in screening of Disney's Cruella for Scottish NHS workers. The vehicle is now preserved as part of the Royal Collection at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon.
Queen Elizabeth's Jaguar Daimler V8 Super LWB - $48,000
In 2001, a specially designed Daimler Super V8 Long Wheelbase Limousine was commissioned for Queen Elizabeth II. Often seen driving it herself near Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, the Queen's custom vehicle featured flashing blue strobe lights, a supercharged 4.0L V8 engine with 375 hp, and a unique handbag compartment.
In the photo above, the Queen can be seen driving the Daimler Jaguar to the Credit Suisse Royal Windsor Cup Final in Egham, England, in 2007. The vehicle was auctioned after 12 years in service, with 15,242 miles on the odometer.
Princess Diana's Audi 80 Cabriolet - $75,000
In 1994, after her separation from Prince Charles, Princess Diana embraced her independence by driving an Audi 80 Cabriolet, marking a departure from British cars. Loaned by Audi's St John’s Wood dealership, the car became closely associated with her radiant public appearances.
Offered with either a four or six cylinder engine, the Audi Cabriolet was a nice car, but it could have never achieved its iconic status on its own. Diana’s choice elevated its appeal, making it "the coolest and most sought-after four-wheeled status symbol" of the era.
Princess Diana's Jaguar XJ-SC - $100,000
In 1987, Princess Diana chose a Jaguar XJ-SC V12 Cabriolet as her personal car, marking her the third generation of royals to own a Jaguar. She had the two-seater targa-topped convertible modified with rear seats for Princes William and Harry. To ensure their safety, a custom, permanently fixed rear hard-top was added to prevent accidents with the solid roof bar.
Diana drove the car until 1991, when she donated it to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust in exchange for a charitable contribution. The vehicle is displayed at the Trust today.
Prince William's Audi A7 - $50,000
Prince William has owned a number of Audis over the years. In 2012, he and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, were seen departing the Audi Polo Challenge charity match at Coworth Park Polo Club in their new Audi A7. The A7 combines the elegance of a sedan with the practicality of a hatchback, so it makes perfect sense for William – a family guy – to prefer it.
The A7 also aligns with the royal family's enduring relationship with Audi, a brand synonymous with refined engineering. Before his marriage, William drove an Audi S4 and later transitioned to the Audi A5 Sportback.
Queen Elizabeth's 2009 Jaguar X-Type Estate - $48,000
Queen Elizabeth was frequently seen driving the Jaguar X-Type Estate when her beloved Land Rover Defender was unavailable. Finished in Emerald Fire with a Barley leather interior, the car had a 3.0 litre V6 engine, a sunroof, automatic transmission, electric windows, and climate control.
While the X-Type wasn’t Jaguar's most sought-after model, its royal provenance made it a priceless piece of automotive and royal history. The vehicle was sold off by Historics Auctioneers for £39,200 in 2009.
Prince Philip’s Lagonda 3-Litre Drophead Coupe - $427,000
The Lagonda 3-Litre Drophead Coupe earned Aston Martin its first royal warrant and served as Prince Philip’s cherished vehicle. Painted in elegant Edinburgh Green, this convertible featured a radio telephone, which the Duke famously used to prank his children, King Charles and Princess Anne, and an oversized vanity mirror for Queen Elizabeth II to adjust her hat.
The car’s royal adventures were remarkable. It was shipped aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia to Melbourne for the 1956 Olympic Games and used to inaugurate Britain’s first motorway in 1959. In 2016, this unique Lagonda fetched £350,000 at auction, which was triple of what a regular model could fetch.
Prince Andrew's Aston Martin DB7 Volante - $45,000
In 1996, Prince Andrew exuded style with his deep green Aston Martin DB7 Volante – which served as the family car during his time raising Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice with Sarah Ferguson. A luxurious symbol of refinement, this elegant vehicle featured plush leather seats and a wooden enameled steering wheel.
It is believed that the car was used by the Duke of York for the first year or so of its life, before it was sold off. In 2019, the timeless DB7 Volante fetched approximately $45,000 at Bonhams Goodwood Racecourse auction.
The Royal Trust's Land Rover Freelander - $40,000
In 2019, Prince Philip's long-standing relationship with driving came to an end following a high-profile car accident involving his Land Rover Freelander. Known for its resilience and practicality, this vehicle had been a trusted companion to the Duke of Edinburgh for years – he can be seen driving it in the photo above as he arrives to watch the Cartier International Polo Match at Guards Polo Club in 2011.
After the 2019 accident, which gained significant media attention, the 97-year-old royal voluntarily surrendered his driving license within a month. However, he did order a replacement Freelander.
Prince Harry's Audi S3 - $50,000
Prince Harry has owned a number of sleek, high-performance vehicles, and that includes this Audi S3 that he briefly owned a decade ago. Harry was seen a number of times in this car. For instance, he can be seen arriving at the Jerudong Trophy polo match in 2013 in the photo above.
Valued at $50,000, this sporty Audi highlighted the royal family's growing affinity for the German automaker, despite their connections to traditional British brands like Aston Martin and Jaguar Land Rover. Harry later auctioned this vehicle in 2014, reportedly below market value, and upgraded to another Audi.
The Royal Trust's 1948 Daimler DE - $210,000
One of the most prestigious gems in Queen Elizabeth’s collection standing alongside the likes of the Rolls Royce Silver Wraith, the 1948 Daimler DE carries deep historical significance. She bought it from the money that she and the Duke of Edinburgh got as a wedding gift from the Royal Air Force and Women's Auxiliary Air Force.
The car’s 27-horsepower engine and imposing frame embody a sense of grandeur and sophistication from a bygone era of royalty. Now in the Royal Trust's care, the vehicle is estimated to be valued at more than $210,000.
Queen Elizabeth's Daimler Double Six - $100,000
The Daimler Double Six featured a unique full-length bench seat in the rear, specially designed to accommodate Queen Elizabeth’s three corgis during travels. The interior boasted parchment finishes… and the car lacked rear headrests and seat belts. For security, a blue convoy light installed above the rear-view mirror allowed easy identification during nighttime operations.
The Daimler Double Six was auctioned by Sotheby's in 2019 for £80,500. Though no longer owned by the royal family, it remains a fascinating piece of royal automotive history.
Prince Harry's Jaguar E-Type Concept Zero - $450,000
In 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle turned heads not only during their romantic wedding but also afterward when Harry drove his new bride to their reception in the sleek Jaguar E-Type Concept Zero. This car is a modern reimagining of Jaguar’s legendary 1961 E-Type, hailed as one of the most beautiful cars ever designed.
The Concept Zero was hand-built by Jaguar in 2017 as part of its shift toward an all-electric future, with assistance from Rimac, and was loaned to the couple for their big day. Fully electric and worth over $450,000, it perfectly blended timeless elegance with cutting-edge innovation.
Prince Harry's Audi S3 - $50,000
Prince Harry has exhibited a preference for Audi vehicles over the years, with the Audi S3 being one of his notable choices. In the photo above, he can be seen arriving in his S3 to play in the Jerudong Trophy polo match in Cirencester, England in 2013.
Featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine capable of accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in 5 seconds, and with a top speed of 155 mph, the Audi S3 was known for its sporty performance. So it made perfect sense for the young Prince to have an inclination towards this high-performing vehicle.
Queen Elizabeth's Bentley Bentayga - $300,000
Queen Elizabeth II was honored with the first Bentley Bentayga off the production line in 2015. Bentley CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer announced at the Frankfurt Motor Show that the "number one car" had been reserved for her. At its launch, the Bentayga was the fastest SUV ever built.
Combining state-of-the-art luxury with extraordinary performance, this handcrafted vehicle featured sustainably sourced wood veneers creating a seamless “ring of wood” interior, a panoramic sunroof, precision-knurled metal details, and hand-stitched leather seats with a quilted diamond design. It was powered by a 6.0L W12 engine that did 0–60 in 4.0 seconds and enabled a top speed of 187 mph.
The Royal Trust's Daimler Vanden Plas - $80,000
The Royal Trust's 1970 Daimler Vanden Plas is an early DS420 model renowned for its elegance and regal history. Made by components from Park Sheet Metal, Pressed Steel Fisher, and Coventry’s Motor Panels, this vehicle’s design features a long nose, commanding front, and sleek body.
The Vanden Plas has been a staple of the royal fleet since 1901 when Queen Elizabeth acquired it. Though understated in appearance compared to modern royal cars, its ageless beauty makes it a timeless classic and a quiet symbol of royal refinement. The vehicle is currently valued at $80,000.
