Royal household welcomes IAM RoadSmart to Buckingham Palace

• · Road safety volunteers celebrate royal recognition at Buckingham Palace Garden Party

Two lucky IAM RoadSmart members rubbed shoulders with royalty after being invited to Buckingham Palace to represent the road safety charity at a Royal Garden Party on May 8, 2026.

The event was held to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Duke of Kent’s patronages.

Tina Underwood, Chair of Kent Advanced Motorcyclists, and Jim Bowles, Chief Observer of Glasgow North Advanced Motorists, were chosen to champion the UK’s leading road safety charity.

Jim, from Polmont in Scotland, has been an IAM RoadSmart member for 20 years and is currently an Observer—a trained volunteer who helps other drivers or riders improve their skills to an advanced level.

Jim said: “I was genuinely overwhelmed, quite emotional, and incredibly honoured when I received the call inviting me to represent IAM RoadSmart at Buckingham Palace, as I am aware of the thousands of volunteers who commit so much time and effort to promoting road safety.

My passion for road safety started when my father, a trained police driver, insisted that I learnt to drive "properly" after I passed my driving test. Having spent many hours driving with my father acting as my Observer, I was one of the first to complete a Strathclyde Police Safer driving course aimed at members of the public and I still have the training materials I was given. 30 years later when my eldest daughter passed her driving test, I realised that advanced training was something we should all participate in and decided to enrol both of us in an IAM RoadSmart course. My daughter and I went onto pass our Advance Driver test."

Tina is the Chair of Kent Advanced Motorcyclists and has been involved with the charity for almost 18 years. She and her husband are both passionate about road safety. She is currently serving her second term as Group Chair. Tina s also an instructor on IAM RoadSmart Skills Days and enjoys all aspects of her work within the organisation.

Tina said: “I felt a whirlwind of emotions when I was told I’d be going to the palace—overwhelming pride at being chosen from so many incredible volunteers, mixed with a quiet sense of disbelief, wondering ‘why me?’ Yet there’s such joy in knowing others believe I am. I feel genuinely blessed. The excitement of visiting Buckingham Palace, finding the perfect dress, shoes, and hat, and preparing for such a special day has been unforgettable. My family, and my husband Colin, are absolutely delighted—it’s given us all a wonderful boost to keep doing even more.”

This recognition comes as IAM RoadSmart celebrates its 70th anniversary.

IAM RoadSmart Field Operations Director Amanda Smith said: “It’s a real honour for the charity to be recognised at a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, especially as we celebrate our 70th anniversary. This milestone reflects seven decades of dedication from our volunteers and members across the UK, all working to improve road safety. It’s a proud moment for everyone involved, and a reminder of the importance of continuing our mission to make roads safer for all.”

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Images available on request