King Charles’ Eco-Conscious Fleet: From Wine-Fueled Classics to ‘Red Squirrel’ Stickers

King Charles III’s long-standing dedication to environmental conservation is reportedly nowhere more visible than within his personal motor pool. According to former royal butler Grant Harrold, the monarch’s commitment to the natural world extends to the very vehicles he drives, including a Jaguar emblazoned with a clear message: “Save the Red Squirrel.”

Harrold, speaking on behalf of Select Car leasing, highlighted the King’s hands-on approach to his vehicular fleet. While the monarch has access to a wide array of British-made vehicles, including Land Rovers and the high-performance Lotus Eletre SUV, his most prized possession remains his Aston Martin DB6 MkII Volante. The vintage convertible, an original gift from Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip for his 21st birthday, has become a symbol of his environmental advocacy.

In 2008, the King took the unconventional step of having the Aston Martin modified to run on biofuel derived from wine and cheese waste. The conversion, which allows the car to operate without relying on traditional fossil fuels, became a source of ongoing amusement among royal staff and family members.

“But the interesting thing about it is that he had it modified in 2008 so it runs on wine and cheese. 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 of course, but it’s just such a random thing to do.”

— Grant Harrold, Former Royal Butler

Harrold noted that the King is “very protective” of the vintage machine, rarely allowing others behind the wheel. Aside from Prince William, who drove the car during his 2011 wedding to Kate Middleton, access is strictly limited. Even a chef once tasked with moving the car from an airport found themselves on the receiving end of a detailed list of operational “do’s and don’ts” from the monarch himself.

The King’s eco-friendly initiatives are not limited to his personal classics. In 2024, it was announced that two Bentleys within the royal fleet were converted to run on biofuel to further reduce the household’s carbon footprint. Expanding the garage further, the addition of the 900hp Lotus Eletre—capable of sprinting from 0 to 62mph in under three seconds—signifies a move toward high-performance electric transport.

Beyond the mechanical modifications, Harrold clarified the monarch’s legal status regarding his driving habits. While King Charles is exempt from the requirement to hold a driving licence—as such documents are issued in his name by the government—he maintains a valid licence regardless.

The King’s passion for sustainability has been a hallmark of his public life for decades, long before environmentalism reached its current mainstream prominence. Whether he is driving through Tetbury with the roof down, waving to stunned onlookers, or campaigning for British wildlife, the King continues to blend royal tradition with his personal commitment to a greener future.