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 is a prominent eco campaigner
Prince Charles is a prominent eco campaigner. Picture: PA

By Ewan Somerville

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.

Prince Charles arrived in his wine-powered Aston Martin
Prince Charles arrived in his wine-powered Aston Martin. Picture: PA
The heir to the throne is meeting engineers at the firm's new Wales factory
The heir to the throne is meeting engineers at the firm's new Wales factory. Picture: PA

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.

Charles will test drive Aston Martin's new SUV, which only does 20mpg
Charles will test drive Aston Martin's new SUV, which only does 20mpg. Picture: PA

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 Prince of Wales driving the new Aston Martin DBX
The Prince of Wales driving the new Aston Martin DBX. Picture: PA

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.

The prince of wales is visiting the Aston Martin plant as part of his tour of flood-hit areas
The prince of wales is visiting the Aston Martin plant as part of his tour of flood-hit areas. Picture: PA

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.