Possibly the only woman to drive King Abdullah around

Memoir recalls a meeting between the royals in 1998

LONDON: Condolences, tributes and criticism rolled in as news of King Abdullah's demise broke on Friday, but one story that starting making rounds on social media was too good to pass over.

The Independent published an excerpt from former Saudi ambassador Sherard Cowper-Coles' memoir Ever the Diplomaton on a meeting between Queen Elizabeth II and King Abdullah in 1998.

According to the memoir, Abdullah was invited up to Balmoral Castle in Aberdeen, Scotland, for lunch with the Queen who later asked her royal guest whether he would like a tour of the estate.

A hesitant King Abdullah took up the offer and to his surprise, the Queen climbed into the driving seat, turned the ignition and drove off.

Women in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to drive.

According to the memoir, Abdullah's nervousness increased as he was not used to being driven by a woman, let alone a queen.

"Through his interpreter, the Crown Prince (at the time) implored the Queen to slow down and concentrate on the road ahead," the former envoy wrote.