Prince finds grandfather’s run-down 4x4 under repair at the local garage

The Prince of Wales yesterday came across a Land Rover belonging to his late grandfather that has been sitting in a garage for 40 years. The vehicle was owned by King George VI, who used it during stays at nearby Balmoral Castle on Royal Deeside.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall are staying at Birkhall on the Balmoral Estate. Yesterday they toured businesses in the Aberdeenshire village of Ballater that have a royal warrant by appointment of the Prince of Wales, including Pringle’s Garage. The Prince, dressed in a Gordon Highlanders kilt, was intrigued when Robert Pringle, the garage owner, told him that the run-down vehicle had belonged to the king, and went round to the front of the car, which is to be refurbished, for a closer inspection.

Mr Pringle said: “The Land Rover was bought by us in 1966. We brought it in last year and are planning to do it up. It is a beautiful car and it still runs well.”