PICTURED: Simon Cowell's luxury Rolls Royce spotted parked in disabled bay in service station

With his millionaire lifestyle and busy schedule, Simon Cowell can afford to leave the driving to someone else.

However, as the music mogul made a brief stop at the Cobham services on the M25 in Surrey on Tuesday, his driver made a faux pas by leaving his Rolls Royce in a disabled bay in the car park. 

The 55-year-old X Factor boss and girlfriend Lauren Silverman were keeping a low-profile as they went into the service station, the pair going seemingly unnoticed as they walked past people sat outside.

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On the go: Simon Cowell stopped off at Cobham service station on Tuesday afternoon, where his driver parked his Rolls Royce in a clearly-marked disabled bay

On the go: Simon Cowell stopped off at Cobham service station on Tuesday afternoon, where his driver parked his Rolls Royce in a clearly-marked disabled bay

Sadly, the TV and music mogul's pit stop came on the day of his mother Julie's funeral, so he was suitably dressed in smart black trousers and a white shirt, as well as a pair of shades.

A source told the MailOnline: '‎It appears Simon's driver may have unwittingly parked very briefly in the wrong place.

'But it's understandable. It was the day of Simon's mother's funeral - so naturally and totally understandably their minds weren't as focused on parking ‎regulations as they normally would have been.'

The luxury Rolls Royce was seen parked for the X Factor boss' short stay at the Surrey-based service station

The luxury Rolls Royce was seen parked for the X Factor boss' short stay at the Surrey-based service station

Off for a refreshment: Simon was joined by girlfriend Lauren Silverman, 37, as they entered the building after having parked up

Off for a refreshment: Simon was joined by girlfriend Lauren Silverman, 37, as they entered the building after having parked up

Stocking up: He then emerged, seemingly unnoticed by the diners outside, clutching newspapers as a male companion carried drinks

Stocking up: He then emerged, seemingly unnoticed by the diners outside, clutching newspapers as a male companion carried drinks

Lauren, 37, appeared to be in head-to-toe black and looked animated as she chatted to her man on their way into the food and shopping area.

Joined by a couple of male companions, one of whom went into the building with them and another - a chauffeur in a black suit and tie who stayed with the luxury vehicle - they then returned to the car and got back in before heading off. 

Meanwhile, Simon has been busy with X Factor auditions for the upcoming series of his popular ITV talent show.

Alongside returning star Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and new judges Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw, he started filming the first round of the programme last week.

Smart attire: He sported a pair of black trousers, a white shirt and shades

Smart attire: He sported a pair of black trousers, a white shirt and shades

The luxury lifestyle: Lauren was seen getting back into the car, as a man in a suit, presumably their chauffeur, had waited outside

The luxury lifestyle: Lauren was seen getting back into the car, as a man in a suit, presumably their chauffeur, had waited outside

However, the first auditions in Manchester were postponed for a couple of days after his mother Julie passed away at the age of 89 just a day before they were supposed to kick off.

Two days after she died, on Sunday 5 July, he shared his sadness on Twitter, as well as his thanks for support from his fans.

'My family lost someone very special on Sunday. My Mum. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all of the kind messages received. Thank you. X,' the father-of-one wrote.

But by Wednesday, just three days after losing his beloved mother, he had returned to work, filming the first auditions of the series with his co-stars, and he received a standing ovation from the audience as he made his brave arrival.

The area: The bay in which Simon's Rolls Royce was parked was in front of the building, bearing the Extra signage and outside tables

The area: The bay in which Simon's Rolls Royce was parked was in front of the building, bearing the Extra signage and outside tables

Simon, who had skipped the red carpet, then revealed he was dedicating the 2015 run of the show to its biggest fan.

He told The Sun newspaper: 'You all know I had something happen in my personal life this week. Well. this was my mum's favourite show so I am doing it in memory of her.' 

Simon continued filming for the X Factor on Wednesday at Wembley, where he will return on Thursday for the commencement of the auditions. 

Difficult time: Simon has been grieving after the sad loss of his 89-year-old mother Julie Cowell on Sunday July 5, which caused the delay of the first X Factor auditions last week

Difficult time: Simon has been grieving after the sad loss of his 89-year-old mother Julie Cowell on Sunday July 5, which caused the delay of the first X Factor auditions last week

Back to work: Simon bravely returned to work on Wednesday last week, where he filmed X Factor auditions along with the line-up for this year's series, judges Nick Grimshaw, Rita Ora and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, and new presenters Caroline Flack and Olly Murs

Back to work: Simon bravely returned to work on Wednesday last week, where he filmed X Factor auditions along with the line-up for this year's series, judges Nick Grimshaw, Rita Ora and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, and new presenters Caroline Flack and Olly Murs

 

 

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