Prince Philip's classic motorboat which he owned and drove for over 30 years has emerged for sale for £30,000. The 1956 red, white and blue Albatross MkIII Super Sports Runabout was carried on the Royal Yacht Britannia for more than a decade.
The Duke of Edinburgh owned it from new and was photographed driving it at Cowes Week on the Isle of Wight, with the eight-year-old Prince Charles as a passenger. That image was featured on a thank you card issued by the Prince of Wales in response to a message of sympathy following his father's death last year.
The 13ft long three-seater aluminium craft, one of 607 produced, was powered by a Ford 100E 1,172cc side-valve engine and had a top speed of 34mph. It was moved to the Balmoral Estate in 1967 where it was used for water-skiing and later reputedly driven by Princess Diana.
The vessel was decommissioned in 1987 and is offered in 'good' unrestored condition with its original engine. Albatross speedboats were popular with the rich and famous of the period including Aristotle Onassis, Brigitte Bardot and Prince Rainier of Monaco.
The Mark III model Philip received was an improved version of the Albatross motorboat he had been issued by them the year before. The motorboat is going under the hammer with London-based auctioneers Bonhams.
Tim Schofield, Head of Department, Bonhams Motor Cars UK, said: "This really is a unique and fascinating piece of royal history. "We are privileged to be presenting it at our Goodwood sale and I am sure that it will receive much attention." The sale takes place at the Goodwood Motor Circuit on April 10.
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