A former royal employee has offered a glimpse into King Charles' car collection, highlighting the monarch's environmental commitment through a small but telling detail. Grant Harrold, who worked as a butler for the King, spoke about the vehicles driven by the Royal Family, including those with unique modifications.
Jaguar with a Conservation Message
Speaking on behalf of Select Car Leasing, Grant revealed: "He also has a Jaguar which has a big sticker on the back saying 'Save the Red Squirrel'." This message aligns with the King's long-standing advocacy for environmental and wildlife conservation. The Jaguar is one of many British cars at the King's disposal, alongside Land Rovers, a Lotus, and others.
The Prized Aston Martin
However, the standout vehicle in the collection is his Aston Martin DB6 MkII Volante, a 21st birthday gift from Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. As the car aged, it was modified to run on wine and cheese waste instead of fossil fuels—a conversion completed in 2008. Grant noted that this amused staff and even Prince William: "We couldn't believe it when we found out, we used to joke about it a lot in the staff room. Prince William used to mock his dad for it a lot, in a loving way." He added that Charles was "so conscious of the environment, and was long before it became mainstream."
Protective of His Cars
Grant described the King as "very protective" of the Aston Martin, rarely letting others drive it. Exceptions include Prince William driving it at his wedding to Kate Middleton, and a chef who once had to retrieve it from an airport, leading to a "big hoo-ha" over operating instructions. Despite not needing a driving licence, the King holds one issued in his government's name.
New Additions to the Royal Fleet
Recent reports indicate a Lotus Eletre SUV, worth over £100,000, is joining the royal fleet. This Anglo-Chinese vehicle accelerates from 0 to 62mph in under three seconds, reaches over 160mph, and has a 280-mile range with over 900hp. In 2024, it was announced that two Bentleys in the fleet would be converted to run on biofuel to reduce the royal household's carbon footprint.
