In association with; Cinch
The coronation of King Charles III is almost upon us, and it’s an event that will likely spark an interest in the Royal family for many people. Across the UK, people will likely look to the King’s interests to determine what he will focus on in his reign.
We already know he loves the countryside and has a passion for sustainability, but he also has a keen interest in cars.
Cinch, the leading online car marketplace, has researched King Charles’ cars, as well as those of other members of the Royal family, to chart the love affair the Royals have had with cars over the years.
During Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, a whole section of the pageant was given over to the Royal passion for championing great British car marques.
While the King's Coronation will be a more serious state affair and we’re not expecting anything similar, Charles III is the most famed car lover in the Royal family.
In association with Cinch, the leading online car marketplace, we take you on a regal ride to discover some of the iconic cars owned by King Charles and the Royals.
King Charles III
Over the decades, 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.
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales drives his Aston Martin DB6 as he arrives at the new Aston Martin Lagonda factory on 21 February 2020 in Barry, Wales. (Photo by Rebecca Naden - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
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 purchased 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.
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales's new Jaguar I-PACE fully electric car 5 September 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Prince Charles Driving His Green Aston Martin V8 Volante Convertible Car Which Was A Gift From The Amir Of Bahrain, his Highness Sheikh Isa Bin Sulman Al Khalifa. With Him Is Colin Trimming His Personal Police Bodyguard, they Are Leaving Guards Polo Club, Windsor. (Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images) 5 June1988
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales arrives, driving his 1994 Aston Martin Virage Volante car, to play in the Dorchester Trophy charity polo match at Cirencester Park Polo Club on 5 June 2005 in Cirencester, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth watches her son Charles playing in a miniature car in the grounds of Balmoral Castle, Scotland. (Photo by Lisa Sheridan/Studio Lisa/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) 28 September 1952.
Queen Elizabeth II
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.
Queen Elizabeth II At Windsor Castle Inspecting The New Bentley State Limousine Car Presented To Her As A Golden Jubilee Gift On Behalf Of A Consortium Of British-based Automotive Manufacturing And Service Companies. The Car Has Been Fully Fitted To Withstand Terrorist Attacks. (Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images) 29 May 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.
Whenever she had the chance, the Queen was more than happy to jump behind the wheel herself.
Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) driving an ambulance during her wartime service in the A.T.S. (Auxiliary Territorial Service), 10th April 1945. (Photo by Popperfoto via Getty Images/Getty Images)
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.
Queen Elizabeth II behind the wheel of her Vauxhall Cresta estate car in the grounds of Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, circa 1980. The Queen's bodyguard is getting in the passenger seat. (Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II driving a Daimler saloon car with Prince Charles and Princess Anne as passengers, circa 1957. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II watches the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix from her new Jaguar X Type estate car on the first day of the Royal Windsor Horse Show on 11 May 2006 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II seen driving her Range Rover car as she attends day 2 of the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Home Park, Windsor Castle on 2 July 2021 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II is seen reflected in the wing mirror of her Land Rover as she follows The Duke of Edinburgh as he competes in the Driving Grand Prix Competition B - The Marathon event during the Royal Windsor Horse Show at Home Park, Windsor Castle on 14 May 2005 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Prince Philip was passionate about cars too and had a particular fondness for Land Rovers.
The Duke of Edinburgh at the wheel of a Land Rover sets off for a tour of the course of the European Horse Trials at Windsor with The Queen & Duchess of Gloucester as passengers. (Photo by Terry Disney/Central Press/Getty Images) 19 May 1955.
The Duke Of Edinburgh Drives The Queen To Church At Sandringham, Norfolk. (Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images) 19 December, 2010.
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh drives himself in his Land Rover Freelander to watch the dressage phase of the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix competition on day 2 of the Royal Windsor Horse Show on 9 May 2013 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
US President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and Queen Elizabeth II arrive at the Sovereign's Entrance in the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle driven by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, 22 April 2016.
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 Philip, Duke of Edinburgh's coffin (draped in his Royal Standard Flag and bearing his Royal Navy cap, sword and a bouquet of lilies, white roses, freesia and sweet peas) is carried on a specially designed Land Rover Defender hearse during his funeral procession to St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on 17 April 2021 in Windsor, England.
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.
Prince William, Accompanied By The Prince Of Wales & Prince Harry, Attends A Photocall At Highgrove To Celebrate His Learning To Drive. (Photo by Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty Images)
Prince William Driving His Volkswagen Golf Car in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, July 2015. (Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)
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.
His Royal Highnesses Prince William Duke of Cambridge drives his wife HRH Catherine Duchess of Cambridge in a blue Aston Martin as they leave Buckingham Palace to Clarence House on 29 April 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge arrives, driving his Audi S6 car, to play in the Jerudong Trophy charity polo match at Cirencester Park Polo Club on 25 May 2018 in Cirencester, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge arrives, driving his Range Rover car, to play in the Jerudong Park Trophy charity polo match at Cirencester Park Polo Club on 15 July 2017 in Cirencester, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Prince William has an interest in motorbikes too;
Prince William departs, riding his Ducati 1198S motorbike, after playing in the Westbury Shield charity polo match at Coworth Park Polo Club on 5 July 2009 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
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.
The Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex leave Windsor Castle in a Jaguar E-Type Concept Zero after their wedding to attend an evening reception at Frogmore House, hosted by the Prince of Wales on 19 May 2018 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
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 this Audi model in 2018 for £71,900.
Prince Harry arrives in his Audi S3 car to play in the Jerudong Trophy polo match at Cirencester Park Polo Club on 14 July 2013 in Cirencester, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Prince Harry arriving In His New Audi A3 Car to The Beaufort Polo Club. (Photo by Antony Jones/Brendan Bierne/UK Press via Getty Images) 25 June, 2003.
Princess Anne
Princess Anne 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, the Royal Princess 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.
Princess Anne driving her Scimitar sports car at Crookham in Hampshire on 27th March 1971. (Photo by Ray Bellisario/Popperfoto via Getty Images/Getty Images)
The Princess Royal, with her bull terrier dog, seen more recently driving her Land Rover Discovery as she attends the Gatcombe Horse Trials at Gatcombe Park on 23 March 2019 in Stroud, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Despite often being chauffeured to Royal appointments, members of the family have acquired their own collection of remarkable motors over the years. Whether it’s a wine- and cheese-powered Aston Martin, an all-electric I-Pace or an inconspicuous VW Golf, the Royals know how to pick the right vehicle for their travelling lifestyle.
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