Queen Elizabeth II had previously been transported in the same vehicle
King Charles arrived at the Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset on Monday morning aboard a historic 1920s armoured Rolls-Royce that his late mother had driven nearly three decades ago.
The monarch took the vehicle for a drive during his visit to the Royal Tank Regiment headquarters, marking his inaugural trip to the RTR since assuming the role of Colonel-in-Chief in August 2023.
The Rolls-Royce, originally developed in 1914, holds the distinction of being the oldest operational vehicle in the museum's collection. It saw active service during both World Wars and was also deployed during the Irish Civil War.
Queen Elizabeth II had previously been transported in the same vehicle when she visited the regiment in 1997.
Former Colonels-Commandant of the RTR welcomed the King upon his arrival.
The King's engagement came just hours after a public row erupted between Prince Harry and Buckingham Palace over accommodation arrangements for the Duke of Sussex's upcoming UK visit.
A spokesman for Harry issued an angry response after Palace officials denied that the duke would be staying at the royal residence.
The spokesman told GB News: "I am aware of multiple briefings from Buckingham Palace last week suggesting that the Duke had not accepted the offer of accommodation at a Royal Residence."
He explained that Harry had spent the previous week arranging alternative security following Ravec's decision not to provide protection for his family, and had formally accepted the accommodation offer over the weekend once those arrangements were finalised.
"It is therefore disappointing that the offer has now been withdrawn, with Tuesday's judgment in the Associated Newspapers Limited case cited as the reason," the spokesman added.
The aide noted that Buckingham Palace had been aware of the judgment since the previous Thursday, questioning why the offer was rescinded at such short notice after being formally accepted.
Palace aides offered a different account, stating that Harry had initially turned down the invitation but subsequently changed his mind after the deadline had elapsed.
The Royal Household requires advance notice as a matter of courtesy to staff.
The timing of Harry's visit adds further complexity, as he is expected to learn on Tuesday whether he has won his significant privacy case against the Daily Mail's publisher while present in the UK.
The King is required to maintain constitutional neutrality on all matters, which factored into the decision.
Despite the accommodation dispute, it is understood that the King remains eager to provide a suitable royal residence for Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet on future visits.
The Duke of Sussex is travelling to Birmingham for the Invictus Games' One Year To Go ceremony during his time in Britain.
Reports indicate that Harry is particularly keen to bring his children to Northamptonshire to visit the grave of his mother, Princess Diana.
His schedule will begin with an Invictus Games Foundation event hosted at Chatham House, followed by a public appearance at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
