Last year, we wrote the following: ‘Being appointed a Royal Warrant holder is still the highest form of accolade and influence. United in their commitment to the highest quality of service, sustainability and responsible environmental practice — these remarkable organisations are known and trusted by The King.’
Few organisations are as well known, or as trusted, by The King than Aston Martin (or, officially, Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings Plc). It should therefore come as no surprise that they are one of the latest organisations to receive one. Perhaps more surprising is that it’s taken this long.
EV exemption for Aston Martin, McLaren, others
The good news continues for Aston Martin, who have been granted something of a stay of execution in a recent announcement from the government this morning.
In short, this means that companies that produce fewer than 2,500 cars per year, such as Caterham, will now not be forced to electrify their offerings in a way that might be unsustainable financially. However, the plan for all cars sold after 2030 (or 2035, who knows) is still in place.
Protecting ‘some of the UK’s most iconic jewels for years to come’ is given as a primary reason for the decision. No doubt Aston Martin and others will appreciate the extra runway to get their affairs in order.
A quite literal Royal Seal of Approval, the relationship between Aston Martin and The King dates back to 1982, when the company was first granted a warrant as a ‘Motor Car Manufacturer and Repairer to the Prince of Wales’. The royal connection stretches even further, with Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, purchasing a Lagonda Drophead in 1954. He even took it with him on his Commonwealth tour of 1956–7, winching it aboard the yacht Britannia.
The King’s first (and, indeed, current) Aston Martin was a DB6 Volante Series II in Seychelles Blue, that was purchased for him by his parents in 1969. ‘It is one of the great cars,’ he said at the time. ‘I adore the design and the lines. They are special. I remember Lord Snowdon had a marvellous DB5 in a beautiful gunmetal colour. It was always the car to have.’
Not content with just one Aston Martin, The King also owned this Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante, which was sold for charity in 1995. The centre armrest had a custom leather-trimmed sugar-lump jar, to house treats for his polo ponies.
In keeping with The King’s commitment to the environment and sustainability, his DB6 now runs on E85 bioethanol. The car was also used by the Prince of Wales and Princess of Wales, then Prince William and Catherine, at their wedding in 2011.
‘Displayed with pride across our branding, the Royal Warrant is a testament to the dedication of our employees and our unwavering commitment to the values of British design, craftsmanship, and engineering excellence,’ comments Adrian Hallmark, Aston Martin CEO. ‘Principles that His Majesty has steadfastly championed.’
-
380 acres and 90 bedrooms on the £25m private island being sold by one of Britain's top music producersStormzy, Rihanna and the Rolling Stones are just a part of the story at Osea Island, a dot on the map in the seas off Essex.
-
'A delicious chance to step back in time and bask in the best of Britain': An insider's guide to The SeasonHere's how to navigate this summer's top events in style, from those who know best.
-
Materials, textures, construction, expression: A Brutalist watch on your wristLuxury watchmakers are seeking to bridge the gap between two contrasting styles, with exciting results.
-
Folio, Folio, wherefore art thou Folio? Shakespeare set to be auctioned by Sotheby'sFour Folios will be auctioned in London on May 23, with an estimate of £3.5–£4.5 million for 'the most significant publication in the history of English literature'.
-
Curators, art historians and other creative minds share their pick of J. M. W Turner's best works, on the 250th anniversary of his birthCold moonlight, golden sunset and shimmering waters are only three reasons to love Turner. On the 250th anniversary of his birth, curators, art historians and other creative minds reveal which of his paintings they’d hang on their walls and why.
-
Boxy but foxy: How the humble Fiat Panda became motoring's least-likely design classicGianni Agnelli's Fiat Panda 4x4 Trekking is currently for sale with RM Sotheby's.
-
The coveted Hermès Birkin bag is a safer investment than gold — and several rare editions are being auctioned off by Christie’sThere are only 200,000 Birkin bags in circulation which has helped push prices of second-hand ones up.
-
Ford Focus ST: So long, and thanks for all the funFrom November, the Ford Focus will be no more. We say goodbye to the ultimate boy racer.
-
Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style: A whistle-stop history, from the Roman Baths to Hampstead HeathEmma Hughes dives into swimming's hidden depths at the Design Museum's exhibit in London.
-
Diamonds are everyone's best friend: The enduring appeal of one of Nature's sparkliest treasuresEvery diamond has a story to tell and each of us deserves to fall in love with one.
