Former palace staffer reveals King Charles’s car sticker | Royal | News
A former butler of King Charles described the many cars the monarch drove throughout his life, and some had special features or additions. This includes a Jaguar on which is displayed a small but relevant message about the King’s stance towards nature. speaking on behalf of Select Car RentalGrant claimed: “He also has a Jaguar with a big sticker on the back that says ‘Save the Red Squirrel’.”
The endangered native animal’s population has seen a drastic decline due to the introduction of American gray squirrels. Charles has been a leading advocate for environmental sustainability for over 50 years, focusing on organic farming, climate change action and biodiversity conservation. He has developed organic practices on his land in Highgrove and is a passionate advocate for the preservation of natural landscapes.
It is one of many British cars at the King’s disposal, including Jaguar, Land Rovers, Lotus and others. But there is one car that stands out from the rest: Queen Elizabeth II. Aston Martin DB6 MkII Volante, given to him by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip as a 21st birthday gift.
Moreover, as the car got older, it was modified to become more environmentally friendly. Grant said: “He was very conscious of the environment and had been long before it became mainstream. He was always looking for ways to protect the environment; it’s something he was very passionate about.”
Grant added that Charles was “very protective” of the car and rarely let anyone else drive it. Prince William was driving it when he married Princess Kate, and a chef once had to drive it back from the airport, which resulted in a “big hoo-ha” as Charles gave her a list of dos and don’ts on how to start the car.
Grant also explained that although the King did not need a driving licence, he already had one because they were issued in the name of his Government.
Grant’s comments follow news that a new car is set to join the royal fleet: a Lotus Eletre SUV priced around £100,000.
The British-Chinese car can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in less than 3 seconds and achieve a top speed of over 160mph; It also has a range of around 280 miles and over 900hp.
In 2024, it was announced that two Bentleys, also in the royal fleet, will be converted to run on biofuel to reduce the royal family’s carbon footprint.
