Anne Beckwith-Smith, who served as a lady-in-waiting to the late Princess Diana for 16 years, has been handed a six-month driving ban after accumulating 12 penalty points on her licence. The ruling came after Beckwith-Smith was found guilty of speeding, specifically driving her blue Audi at 36 mph in a 30 mph zone in Salisbury, Wiltshire.
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The incident occurred on 8 August 2024 and resulted in a substantial penalty for the former royal courtier, who has previously faced driving offences. In October 2022 and again in April 2025, she incurred points that contributed to her disqualification under UK driving regulations, which stipulate that accumulating 12 points within a three-year period can lead to a ban.
Appearing at Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court on 8 April 2026, Beckwith-Smith claimed the ban would impose “exceptional hardship” on her brother, who resides in a care home not far from Salisbury. She argued that she needed her driving licence to travel from her home in Kensington, London, to visit him.
Despite her pleas, the court revealed some inconsistencies in her claims. Prosecutor Oliver Hall pointed out that Beckwith-Smith had not disclosed that her family owns a property in Salisbury, which is only approximately a 15-minute drive from the care home. When questioned about her failure to mention this detail, she responded, “No one ever asked me.”
Taking into account her long-standing service to the late Princess of Wales, the court acknowledged Beckwith-Smith’s dedication but ultimately ruled against her appeal for leniency. Bench chair Isobel Vass confirmed the driving ban and imposed a fine of £412.
During her service, Beckwith-Smith was a trusted confidante and assistant private secretary to Princess Diana, a role she began in 1981 and continued until Diana’s untimely passing in 1997. Her commitment to her duties earned her the title of Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order in 1990, recognising her unwavering support for the royal family.
After delivering her verdict, the bench noted that while they understood the care needs of Beckwith-Smith’s brother, they did not deem her situation as truly “exceptional.” Vass pointed out that she had the option to visit her brother multiple times while still living within proximity, allowing her to fulfil her familial responsibilities without needing to drive.
Vass cautioned Beckwith-Smith about the seriousness of her driving ban, warning her against using any motorised vehicles during this period. She further added that the penalty points would eventually be removed following the disqualification, allowing her to regain her driving privileges in due course.
As an historic figure in public service, Beckwith-Smith’s recent legal troubles come as a stark contrast to her revered past as a lady-in-waiting. Once a prominent member of the royal household, her recent actions have highlighted the consequences of traffic violations and the importance of abiding by road safety regulations.
In a world where public figures are often under the microscope, this incident serves as a reminder that everyone, regardless of their past achievements or royal connections, is subject to the same laws and regulations. Beckwith-Smith’s case has captured attention, drawing interest not only from those familiar with her role in the royal family but also from the general public, keen to see how former royal aides adapt to life beyond the palace.