The Queen dubs camper ‘a real home from home’ after outing with duke

Published on 23/11/2012 03:03

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh went for a spin in a motorhome yesterday as they toured a caravan factory.

The royal couple were ferried in a top of the range Approach SE 760 model at the Bailey of Bristol plant at Ashton Vale, Bristol.

It is believed to be the first time the Queen has been in a moving motorhome.

The white van with silver and blue detailing, affectionately dubbed Mavis by the company, is the firm’s show vehicle.

The monarch, who smiled as she settled into her seat facing the duke, next to the motorhome’s dinette, described the van as a “real home from home”.

They journeyed just 200 ­metres in the pristine six-berth from the plant’s reception to the factory warehouses.

Nick Howard, Bailey of Bristol’s managing director who accompanied the Queen and the duke on their brief motorhome experience, said: “They were impressed with it and how it was fully equipped.

“The Queen said it was a ‘real home from home’ in terms of its feel.”

He added: “The duke has some advice for us on layout.

“He said he made a bed ­arrangement for one of his horseboxes.

“He said the beds should be longitudinal rather than across the motorhome for ease of ­access.”