HRH The Duke of Gloucester Visits Aston Martin’s Warwickshire HQ

As part of its year-long celebrations of 110 years as a company, Aston Martin, a British brand with renowned royal connections, celebrated with a visit from His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester to its headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire.

Also visiting alongside the Duke was Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, Mr Tim Cox, as they toured the centre responsible for designing, creating and exporting car sold in 56 countries around the world.  On show were some of the latest products that Aston Martin has been working on, including the DB12, which recently launched in style last month.

His Royal Highness also took time to meet some of the company’s apprentices and graduates that work across several key areas of the business, including marketing, design, manufacturing and engineering. As well as showcasing the next generation of sportscars, Aston is working to continue its legacy by bringing through the generation of young talent.

Aston Martin is, of course, a British company which has unique connections to the Royal Family and has even held a Royal Warrant for more than 30 years. Visitors to Aston Martin have included the late Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, as well as King Charles, who famously had his Virage Volante converted to run on E85 fuel made from wine wastage. The largest audience for a royal Aston Martin came in 2011 at Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton, where they were seen driving away from their reception to Clarence House in a pristine DB6.

It is a connection that Aston Martin is extremely proud of and keen to maintain. Amedeo Felisa, Chief Executive Officer of Aston Martin said: “Aston Martin is immensely proud of its unique connection with The Royal Family, having been previously honoured by visits from His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II. We are delighted to welcome His Royal Highness to Gaydon as we continue to mark a highly significant year for the company that sees the celebration of our 110th anniversary and the launch of the first of our next generation of sportscars.”

Since Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford officially formed the partnership in 1913 that went on to create the first Aston Martin car, there has been a huge period of success on the road and track whilst incorporating the latest innovations. More recently in 2020, Lawrence Stroll became the company’s Executive Chairman, bringing with him a significant amount of investment that has seen the Aston Martin team challenging at the top of the field in Formula One this year. Along with the launch of the DB12, which created a stir amongst petrolheads and motoring journalists, the Aston Martin brand appears to be stronger than ever.

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: Aston Martin