Prince Charles in Cov & Warks
PRINCE Charles arrived for his visit to Coventry in an all-electric Jaguar I-Pace.
The Prince also checked-out the new Land Rover Defender shortly after arriving at National Automotive Innovation Centre (NAIC) at the University of Warwick yesterday.
The vehicle is one of those on show at the building, which forms part of WMG at the University of Warwick.
The Prince made his way into the building after meeting dignitaries, including West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, outside.
He went on to meet Stuart Croft, the vice chancellor of the university, before meeting the widow of Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya and their daughters.
Lady Bridie Bhattacharyya and Lord and Lady Bhattacharyya’s three daughters Anita, Tina and Malini, were among the first to meet the Prince.
Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya was the driving force behind WMG and also helped broker the deal for Tata to buy Jaguar Land Rover.
The new Land Rover Defender was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2019 and the first customers are expected to take delivery of their vehicles this spring.
The old Defender, production of which came to an end in January 2016, was a favourite of the royal family.
Speaking at the National Automotive Innovation Centre, Prince Charles said the region had a
“relentlessly pioneering spirit.”
He added that he hoped the centre could become a “platform of change in the automotive industry” and that “we really have no choice but to de-carbonise this essential industry as rapidly as possible”.
Before his visit to the city the Prince was in Stratford visiting the Royal Shakespeare Company.
He even donned a hard hat as he visited their Costume Workshop.
After the Coventry visit the Prince of Wales - who is Patron of the Almshouse Association - headed to the
Nicholas Chamberlaine Almshouse in Bedworth. The Prince met with trustees and patrons at the almshouses. He also sat down for a tea party. He said: “This is the most wonderful tea party. It’s so nice to have a chance to meet you all.”
The Prince then made a surprise stop-off in Nuneaton.
He met cadets from the town as they welcomed him with a guard of honour. He was visiting the Veterans Contact Point, off Bentley Road. He also received a yellow garland of flowers from local Gurkhas.