Prince Charles arrives at Aston Martin factory in wine-powered classic car to test firm's new SUV
21 February 2020, 14:10
Prince Charles will test drive a new luxury Aston Martin SUV this afternoon on a visit to the company’s factory in Wales.
Charles, an outspoken eco activist, turned up at the Aston Martin factory where he will go for a spin in the firm's new V8 turbocharged DBX model.
He arrived today at the firm’s Lagonda plant in St Athan, near Barry, in his own vintage Aston Martin, the DB6 Volante, a 21st birthday present from the Queen which he previously revealed is fuelled by white wine.
Charles was visiting south Wales today to meet victims of floods sparked by Storm Dennis, which have affected thousands of homes and businesses in Monmouthshire.
The deluge continued on Thursday when further heavy rain fell, with local residents fearing thousands of pounds of damage.
Two severe "danger to life" flood alerts remain in force on the Welsh border at Hampton Bishop.
While on the Aston Martin visit, Charles will meet engineers at different stages of the production process before attending a reception to celebrate the new factory, which unveiled the first Welsh-made Aston in November.
The heir to the throne will also meet apprentices and staff, and will place a wings badge on the bonnet of a DBX.
He will also visit the Marie Curie Hospice, Penarth, and open a train manufacturing factory in Newport.
Charles' itinerary also features a visit to Cardiff Airport's British Airways maintenance centre to mark the firm's 100th anniversary.
The Royal Family owns an extensive fleet of vehicles including Jaguars, Audis, Land Rovers, Range Rovers and Bentleys.
