Former Royal Aide Faces Driving Ban After Speeding Offence
Anne Beckwith-Smith, who served as Princess Diana's longest-serving lady-in-waiting and assistant private secretary, has been disqualified from driving for six months following a speeding violation. The 74-year-old appeared at Lavender Hill Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, April 8, where she admitted to driving at 36mph in a 30mph zone in Wilton, Wiltshire, on August 7 last year.
Court Hears Plea Against 'Catastrophic' Licence Loss
Beckwith-Smith argued that losing her licence would cause exceptional hardship to her 77-year-old brother, who lives in a care home in Salisbury. She visits him two to three times weekly, managing his financial and health affairs as his only next of kin. "I believe the impact would be quite considerable because I wouldn't be able to just be there, especially when there is an emergency, just to reassure him," she told magistrates.
She criticised Salisbury's public transport, stating it was inferior to London's, but under questioning from prosecutor Oliver Hall, she revealed owning a second home in Salisbury. When asked why she hadn't mentioned this, Beckwith-Smith replied, "No one ever asked me." She later conceded she could potentially live there for six months and use public transport to visit her brother.
Previous Offences and Financial Position
The court heard Beckwith-Smith already had nine penalty points on her licence from three prior traffic offences in October 2022 and April last year. She described herself as financially comfortable and acknowledged she could consider taxis, with a bus stop located outside her brother's care home. "I apologise for wasting all your time with this, but I think it's important to stress it would be a hardship for my brother," she added.
From the witness box, she explained her visits help monitor care quality, noting staff changes frequently and records are often on iPads. "I just drop in – I quite like to do that as it keeps them on their toes," she said.
Magistrates' Decision and Penalties
Three magistrates rejected her appeal against a ban, disqualifying her from driving for six months. She was ordered to pay:
- A £307 fine
- Costs of £130
- A £123 victim surcharge
Lead magistrate Isobel Vass stated, "We don't underestimate the medical and care needs of your brother and the circumstances he is in at the moment in a care home. We also note your dedication and commitment to visiting him regularly. However, we believe you will be able to be in the area for several days each week, allowing you to fulfil your obligations to your brother."
Beckwith-Smith, who worked at the Tate for 24 years after leaving royal service, admitted the speeding offence and left court in the passenger seat of a waiting car.
