Aston Martin issued new Royal Warrant by King Charles III
First time for the British brand
Aston Martin has called it “a truly proud and historic moment” after being issued a Royal Warrant for the first time in its 112 year history.
Despite being confirmed in May 2024, the British brand has decided to wait for the release of the new Royal Coat of Arms by King Charles III before applying it to its branding.
“Our appointment by His Majesty represents a truly proud and historic moment for Aston Martin, reinforcing the longstanding and esteemed relationship we hold with the Royal Family," said Adrian Hallmark, CEO of Aston Martin.
"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. Principles that His Majesty has steadfastly championed.”
Aston Martin’s Royal Association
The beginning of the Royal Family and Aston Martins's long association can be traced back 70 years to 1954 when Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, took delivery of a three-litre Lagonda. This continued the following year when Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin, the Duke of Kent, acquired the 1955 Monte Carlo rally-winning DB2/4 from the Aston Martin team.
As for King Charles’ long-standing passion for the Aston Martin brand, this began when he was gifted a DB6 Volante for his 21st birthday in 1970. Finished in Seychelles Blue with a Dark Blue interior, the King’s DB6 was kept original until 2008, before being converted to run on bioethanol fuel. To help bring attention to environmental causes, the car now runs on fuel made from surplus English white wine and waste products from the production of cheese. The car took centre stage when it was driven down The Mall after the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 2011. It was seen again in 2022 when it was driven to the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham by the King and Queen.
The monarch has since owned a 1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante and 1994 Aston Martin Virage Volante.
The King has been a member of the Aston Martin Owners Club since 1973 and in 2024, his DB6 Volante was displayed at Sandringham during one of the club’s gatherings.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Aston Martin