Crown jewels of the road: the Royal Family’s love affair with cars
We take a look at King Charles and the Royals' love of cars ahead of the coronation
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We take you on a regal road trip and look at some of the iconic cars owned by King Charles and the Royals.
King Charles
The UK’s new head of state has driven cars that would make many motorists green with envy.
One of the King’s proudest possessions is a blue Aston Martin DB6 Volante, a precious gift from his mother for his 21st birthday.
In 2008, in line with his passion for sustainability and the environment, he decided to modernise the engine. Since then, the DB6 Volante has run on by-products from the British wine and cheese industries.
The monarch also has a soft spot for electric cars.
In 2019, he bought one of the first all-electric Jaguar I-Pace cars seen in the UK.
He sometimes uses the I-Pace for official duties to minimise air pollution as he travels around the country.
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The Queen
The late Queen Elizabeth II was used to being chauffeured across the UK to attend ceremonies and events.
During formal occasions, the Queen was often seen in a Bentley State Limousine, which she received from the manufacturer in celebration of her 50th anniversary on the throne in 2002.
When the reigning monarch is abroad, the Bentley ornament on the bonnet is replaced with a silver sculpture of St George slaying the dragon. This practice remains in the reign of King Charles III.
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Whenever she had the chance, the Queen was more than happy to jump behind the wheel herself.
It is believed that one of her favourite vehicles was the Vauxhall Cresta PA Friary Estate, which was tailored to her outdoorsy needs and hobbies.
In fact, it included features such as a dog guard for her corgis, a gun rack for pheasant shooting and fishing rod holders on the car’s roof.
Prince Philip
Prince Philip was passionate about cars too and had a particular fondness for Land Rovers.
On the day of his funeral in 2021, the Prince Consort’s coffin was transported by a bronze-green Land Rover Td5 Defender 130.
In collaboration with Land Rover, this military-inspired hearse was designed and adjusted by the Prince himself over the course of 16 years.
The British car brand provided the family with three cars for the funeral, just in case there were any breakdowns before or during the Prince’s final journey.
Prince William
Like many budding motorists, the Duke of Cambridge started his driving career at the wheel of a Ford Focus. The Prince passed his practical test at the age of 17 after taking about 20 driving lessons.
For his 17th birthday, William received a Volkswagen Golf from his father.
Interestingly, Kate Middleton, his future wife and Duchess of Cambridge, owned a VW Golf around the same time too. She bought it before driving off to university.
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Prince Harry
Prince Harry is another member of the Royal family with a passion for cars.
For his wedding, who can forget those iconic images of him whisking new bride Meghan away in a Jaguar E-Type Concept Zero, an electric version of one of the brand’s most iconic designs.
He’s also been seen in the driving seat of a Jaguar F-Type, a two-seater sports car known for its speed and sleek looks.
Prince Harry was also the owner of an Audi RS6 Avant, which he used to drive himself and Meghan to Pippa Middleton’s evening wedding reception.
However, after clocking almost 4,500 miles, he sold the Audi in 2018 for £71,900.
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Princess Anne
The Royal Princess is a big fan of Scimitar cars.
The first one she ever owned was an Air Force blue 1970 GTE, a joint 20th birthday and Christmas present from her parents.
Since then, Anne has added another eight Scimitars to her collection.
All her models have kept the original vehicle’s 1420 H registration plate, which commemorates and honours her position as Colonel-in-Chief.
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