BRITAIN was gripped by debate last month after a member of the Royal Family was involved in a car crash.

The Duke of Edinburgh was driving a Land Rover Freelander close to the Queen’s estate in Sandringham, near Norfolk, on January 17 when the vehicle collided with a Kia, causing his car to flip over.

Prince Philip said he was “somewhat shaken” after the incident, which left Emma Fairweather, a passenger in the other vehicle, with a broken wrist.

Just days later, the 97-year-old was pictured driving a replacement Land Rover without wearing his seatbelt.

Earlier this month, following the two incidents, the Duke voluntarily gave up his driving licence.

A spokesman for Buckingham Palace said: “After careful consideration the Duke of Edinburgh has taken the decision to voluntarily surrender his driving licence.”

It followed apologies made to the injured Ms Fairweather in a letter, after the 46-year-old complained about the lack of direct contact from the Duke.

In his writing, Prince Philip put the incident down to bright sunshine, which he said could have caused him not to see the other vehicle.

He said: “I would like you to know how very sorry I am for my part in the accident at the Babingley cross-roads.”

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He added: “In normal conditions I would have no difficulty in seeing traffic coming from the Dersingham direction, but I can only imagine that I failed to see the car coming, and I am very contrite about the consequences.

“I was somewhat shaken after the accident, but I was greatly relieved that none of you were seriously injured.

“As a crowd was beginning to gather, I was advised to return to Sandringham House by a local police officer. I have since learned that you suffered a broken arm. I am deeply sorry about this injury.

“I wish you a speedy recovery from a very distressing experience.”

The incident sparked debate about elderly drivers.

In response, Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK said hard upper age limits on driving would “unfairly punish” many.

She said: “Age is a pretty poor indicator of driving ability and the truth is that some people are better drivers than others regardless of age.

“It is also important to remember that there are more older drivers on the road today than ever before and overall their safety record is very good - in fact on average they are less likely to have an accident than younger drivers.”

Elderly drivers: What is the law?

Individuals younger than 70 are personally responsible for making sure they are fit to drive.

Once you reach that age you need to renew your driving licence if you wish to continue driving.

You must then go through the renewals process every three years.

Renewal involves filling out an application form as your 70th birthday approaches, which can be completed online or by post.

It also means confirming that you meet the eyesight standard for driving.

However, this includes a medical declaration which can impacted by a number of factors, including age-related conditions which must be reported, by law, to the the DVLA.

These conditions can include epilepsy, glaucoma, diabetes, sleep apnoea or heart conditions, such as pacemakers or atrial fibrillation.

It is considered a serious offence not to declare a condition or disability that might affect driving; you can be fined up to £1,000, and if you are involved in a crash you may be prosecuted.

In addition, new driving licences which are approved after your 70th birthday can come with a number of conditions, most commonly relating to eyesight.

For example, if a new photocard licence has the code 01 on the back, you will need to wear prescription glasses or contact lenses when you drive.