Prince Philip surrenders driver's licence after flipping Land Rover - 9news.com.au

The Duke of Edinburgh has surrendered his driving licence after being involved in a crash and then being spotted behind the wheel without a seatbelt.

Philip, 97, voluntarily gave up his credentials on Saturday (local time), Buckingham Palace says.

He apologised for his part in an accident on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk when his Land Rover Freelander collided with another car on January 17, leaving two women needing hospital treatment.

Prince Philip, 97, has voluntarily given up his driving licence after he flipped his Land Rover in a collision in January near the Queen's Norfolk estate. (PA)

About 48 hours after the crash he was pictured driving without a seatbelt, prompting criticism.

"After careful consideration, the Duke of Edinburgh has taken the decision to voluntarily surrender his driving licence," a statement from Buckingham Palace said.

Philip's driving woes began when his car flipped over after he pulled out into a busy road and collided with a Kia, carrying a nine-month old boy, his mother and another passenger.

He escaped injury, but passenger Emma Fairweather broke her wrist and called for the duke to be prosecuted if he was found to be at a fault.

In a letter dated January 21, Philip wished her a "speedy recovery" and said he "failed to see the car coming", the Sunday Mirror reported.

(Supplied)

Prince Philip car crash victim to have surgery (AAP)

He blamed the low, bright sun for obscuring his vision, adding he was "very contrite about the consequences".

The crash did not immediately put Philip off driving.

Wearing tinted glasses, he was photographed at the wheel of a replacement Land Rover while not wearing a seatbelt in the ensuing days.

Police issued Philip with "suitable words of advice" and said "any appropriate action" would be taken if necessary.

Prince Philip car crash victim to have surgery (AAP)

Norfolk Police said in a statement on Saturday the investigation file on the collision "has been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service for their consideration".

At the time of the collision, celebrity lawyer Nick Freeman said Philip could face a prosecution for driving without due care and attention, which carries an unlimited fine.

But the lawyer, dubbed Mr Loophole, said the duke could avoid prosecution by surrendering his licence.

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