Owning a classic Defender is like holding a piece of history in your hands (or in your garage, for...
In March 2025, a certain piece of royal motoring history captured the spotlight at the NEC in Birmingham for the Classic Sale. A 2010 Land Rover Defender 90, once a trusted vehicle of King Charles III (when he was the Prince of Wales), was auctioned by Iconic Auctioneers, fetching an impressive £67,500 and surpassing its estimated value by over £17,000.
Apart from the obvious, let’s have a look at what made it so special…
A regal ride with some personal touches
Delivered to Highgrove House in November 2010, this Defender 90 was not just any off-road vehicle. Finished in the distinguished Keswick Green colour with a grey interior, it was supplied by JLR Special Vehicles specifically for the use of the then Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. Notably, the vehicle featured heated seats and heated front and rear screens - little luxuries added for the comfort of its royal occupants.
One of the most notable customisations was the apparent inclusion of privacy glass to the rear, offering some additional discretion during travel across the Highgrove estate and beyond, and also the use of black protective cladding along the bottom of the vehicle. The upholstery, in a practical Charcoal Grey cloth, showed some small signs of wear and the number plate at the time was a satisfying '72 HRH’.
With just 24,595 miles on the clock and minor wear mostly on only the driver’s seat, it seems likely that the vehicle was personally driven by the King himself, as reports suggest.
Plenty of provenance
This Defender’s royal lineage is also well-documented. Accompanying the vehicle was a confirmation letter addressed to Tim Williams, the head chauffeur to the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, verifying its royal ownership.
A collector’s dream
The sale price of this Defender 90 shows the allure of vehicles with royal connections. Its meticulous maintenance and unique history made it a coveted addition to any collection, as we have seen by the interest during the auction. While the ’72 HRH’ number plate was not included in the sale, the vehicle’s association with the royal family adds an incredible value that resonated with history lovers and collectors alike.
Following the previous trend
This sale followed a trend of royal vehicles fetching significant sums at auction. In 2023, a Defender 110 built for Prince Philip sold for a record £123,750, having been acquired the previous year for (only!) £44,000 - again highlighting the enduring fascination with the royal family’s automotive choices.
The keen interest in King Charles III’s old Defender shows the enduring appeal of vehicles with interesting pasts - especially with a royal connection - which perhaps are now able to be given a new lease of life, either as part of a collection for show, or by heading back out onto the road for more adventures with a new owner.
Ultimately, it’s a rare opportunity to own a piece of history, and not many people can say they own a vehicle that once served a monarch!
