Features

Monarchs and Motorcars

by: BTM - Sat, 06 Jun 2026

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Kristian Harrison explores the British monarchy’s historic love affair with cars and the treasures hidden within the royal garages.

It should come as no surprise that the British Royal Family has a fleet of cars fit for kings and queens, most of which are housed at the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace unless required elsewhere. Yet among the grand Bentleys and stately Rolls-Royces, there are some remarkable stories … for example, did you know that His Majesty King Charles III has a cheese-powered Aston Martin?

A Fleet Fit for Royalty
Before diving into the more unusual vehicles, it is worth understanding the royal car classifications. Vehicles used for ceremonial duties fall into several groups. The most distinguished are the State Cars, used for public engagements and formal occasions by the monarch or visiting dignitaries. The fleet currently boasts two Bentleys and three Rolls-Royces. Royal Review Vehicles – two modified Range Rovers – follow closely behind in importance, built specifically for parades and official ceremonies.

What distinguishes these cars is not only their design but their privileges. Painted in Royal Claret and Masons Black, they are among the very few vehicles in Britain exempt from carrying number plates, sharing this honour only with the State Hearse, last used for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

For less formal events, the Semi-State Cars come into play. These vehicles, which do bear registration plates, include a pair of 2012 Jaguar XJ Limousines and three 2022 Range Rover models. Beyond the ceremonial fleet, there are dozens of other cars used for security convoys, logistics and private travel.

The Monarchy’s Early Motoring Passion
Whilst the official vehicles have ceremonial significance, it is the royal family’s private collection that truly captures the imagination. Given Britain’s historic influence and its enduring love affair with motoring, it is little wonder the sovereign garages are a treasure trove for enthusiasts.

The monarchy’s motoring passion began with King Edward VII, who took delivery of a 6bhp Daimler Mail Phaeton in June 1900 while still Prince of Wales. His enthusiasm helped establish Daimler’s prestige, leading to the brand receiving the Royal Warrant after his accession in 1901.

The Royal Mews, originally home to horses and carriages, was swiftly converted to house these mechanical marvels. Edward commissioned a 22bhp Daimler ‘touring carriage’ for travels across Britain and Europe, setting a tradition that continues today. The first official use of a motor car by the monarchy occurred in October 1904, when Edward attended an engagement at Woolwich Garrison in a 36bhp Daimler limousine.

Queen Elizabeth II: A Mechanic at Heart
The automotive legacy flourished under the late Queen Elizabeth II. Although renowned for her love of horses, she was an equally enthusiastic motorist. Having trained as a mechanic during the Second World War, Her Majesty was as comfortable under the bonnet as she was behind the wheel. Throughout her reign, she was often spotted driving Land Rovers across the Balmoral estate or ferrying dignitaries with a firm grasp of both steering wheel and terrain.

Shortly after her accession in 1952, Rolls-Royce replaced Daimler as the preferred marque for royal engagements. Though the reasons remain unclear, one plausible explanation is Prince Philip’s admiration for an experimental Rolls-Royce model during a factory visit. Delivered soon after, it swiftly became the couple’s car of choice.
Among the Queen’s personal favourites was a bespoke 1961 Vauxhall Cresta PA Friary Estate. Built to suit her country pursuits, it featured fishing rod holders, a corgi-proof dog guard, a gun rack and a custom Imperial Green paint job. The car still resides at Sandringham, the royal family’s cherished rural retreat.

King Charles III: The Eco-Friendly Enthusiast
King Charles III has taken the royal motoring passion to new heights – and greener pastures. An ardent environmentalist, His Majesty has led efforts to retrofit many royal vehicles for eco-friendly use, ensuring that even royal motoring aligns with modern sustainability goals.

With a private collection rumoured to exceed 100 vehicles, many details are understandably confidential. Nonetheless, some of King Charles’ most prized possessions are well documented. Among them is his 1970 Aston Martin DB6 MkII Volante, a 21st birthday gift from Queen Elizabeth II. In 2008, engineers adapted the car to run on E85 bioethanol, made from surplus English grape bevrages and whey, a by-product of cheese-making. Not only did the car maintain its performance, but it also, according to the King: “smells delicious as you’re driving along.”

To hone his skills with this potent machine, King Charles hired the Thruxton Circuit and none other than two-time Formula One world champion Graham Hill to provide lessons. In a touch of humour, he even added a fake red ‘eject’ button to the dashboard in true James Bond style to unnerve unsuspecting passengers.

Gifts and Green Dreams
Another treasured vehicle is his 1989 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante, a gift from the late Emir of Bahrain, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa. The car was customised with a manual gearbox and finished in Balmoral Green, echoing the Aston Martin driven by James Bond in The Living Daylights.

Though King Charles’ passion for vintage sports cars remains strong, he is also deeply committed to eco-conscious motoring. Nowadays, he is more commonly seen in an all-electric Jaguar I-Pace, purchased in 2019, which helps reduce emissions during trips around London.

Driving Into the Future
With King Charles III at the helm, it is clear that the Royal Family’s motoring traditions are in safe and forward-thinking hands. As the world moves towards greener alternatives, the monarchy too will embrace the electric revolution, but hopefully not at the cost of occasionally revving up some classic treasures for the world to admire.