Prince Philipwalked away from last week’scar crashnear the royal family’s Sandringham Estate, but a former royal protection officer says the accident could have easily been much worse – and could have been avoided completely.
“People have played the accident down a bit – this could have been a quadruple fatal accident,” former royal protection officer Ken Wharfe tells PEOPLE. “Had his car stayed upright, surely the driver in the Kia would have died.”
Prince Philip.Carl De Souza/Getty
Wharfe describesQueen Elizabeth‘s husband of 71 years as a “difficult person to work with” because he is someone who likes to do things his own way. Despite having a team of bodyguards, none of them were with Philip at the time of the accident.
“To go on his own and not wear a seat belt and not take a bodyguard is crazy,” he says.
Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty
Wharfe adds, “Had the bodyguard been there, with experience, this accident would never have happened. The bodyguard would have said, ‘Hang on, sir, watch the car.’ He would have blown a gasket, but he wouldn’t have hit the car.”
On doctor’s advice, Philipvisited the hospital on Friday morningfor a “precautionary check-up.”
“His Royal Highness had no injuries of concern. The Duke has returned to Sandringham,” a palace spokesperson said.
Emma Fairweather, who was sitting in the passenger seat, said in an interview with theSunday Mirrorthat she was disappointed with the royal family because she hadyet to receive an apology from Philip.
“I’m lucky to be alive and he hasn’t even said sorry,” Fairweather told the outlet.
The Queen’s husbandwas seen drivingin the area just two days after the crash, operating areplacement Land Roveron a public road without his seatbelt fastened.
According to friend and biographer Gyles Brandreth,Philip will reluctantly accept that he has to give up driving in publicif he is advised to do so.
“He is a pragmatist and a realist and I’m sure he will accept that while possibly muttering under his breath,” Brandreth tells PEOPLE.
source: people.com
