Prince William Teased Charles Over Eco Aston Martin
A former royal butler has claimed Prince William used to tease King Charles about an unusual environmentally friendly decision involving the monarch’s beloved Aston Martin, an anecdote that underlines how long the King has pushed green initiatives inside and outside royal life.
Marie Claire reported that Grant Harrold, who served King Charles at Highgrove between 2004 and 2011, said staff “couldn’t believe” the car had been modified in 2008 so it could run on a biofuel made from wine and cheese.
Mr Harrold told Select Car Leasing that the change became a running joke among staff, adding that Prince William “used to mock his dad for it a lot, in a loving way of course,” and described the move as “such a random thing to do.” He also said King Charles was “conscious of the environment” long before it became mainstream, and remained “very, very protective” of the 1969 convertible, with the report noting he was reluctant to let Prince William and Prince Harry drive it.
The former butler said the King made an exception for Prince William’s wedding day in 2011, when the Prince of Wales and Princess Kate left Buckingham Palace in the blue Aston Martin with a “JUST WED” plate; the Prince’s interest in climate issues has since become a central part of his public role, including through The Earthshot Prize and other initiatives.
In the same interview, Mr Harrold suggested driving offers members of the Royal Family “a bit of normality and freedom,” describing time behind the wheel as one of the rare moments when they can feel in control amid heavily managed schedules and security constraints.
