King Charles rounded off a busy day of engagements in Staffordshire with a visit to Tower Brewery, where he stepped behind the bar to pull a pint of ale—joking that he was right where he
needed to be.
The King spent the day in the West Midlands, starting with a visit to JCB, the renowned construction equipment company, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.
A royal visit to JCB
JCB, which employs approximately 7,500 people across the UK, welcomed the monarch to its headquarters, where he toured the backhoe loader assembly line. As he watched workers fit the wheels onto a backhoe digger, the King even lent a hand himself. Along the way, he met with employees, apprentices, and their families.
Later, at a reception for around 60 people, King Charles was introduced to members of two families whose combined service at JCB spans an incredible 1,000 years. Among them was the Boot family, whose connection with the company began in 1949 with Bill Boot. Today, his great-grandson Leigh is one of nine family members still working there.
The King also shared a lighthearted moment with 100-year-old Ken Harrison, a former JCB worker who was part of the team that built the company’s first backhoe loaders in 1953. “I hope you got your message on your hundredth birthday?” the King quipped. “I’m so glad the system works.”
Before departing, he unveiled a commemorative plaque marking his visit.
JCB Chairman Lord Bamford expressed his gratitude, saying: “It is a real honour for us all that The King has visited JCB to help us celebrate 80 years in business. It was also a great pleasure to show The King the progress we are making with hydrogen-powered machines. Today was an occasion that will live long in the memories of everyone who was present.”
JCB was recently granted a Royal Warrant by the King for its manufacturing of agricultural and construction equipment, continuing a tradition dating back to 1982 under Queen Elizabeth II.
A toast at Tower Brewery
After his time at JCB, King Charles made his way to Tower Brewery in Burton-upon-Trent, a town with a proud brewing heritage.
Behind the bar, he poured himself a glass of ‘Gone for a Burton’ beer before raising a toast with brewery owner John Mills, saying, “To your very good health.” He also sampled a “supercharged” ale called ‘Spirit of Burton’—notable for its formidable 41% alcohol content.
Before departing, the King participated in the brewing process by opening the steam hatch, which relies on gravity and the brewery’s towering structure to maintain water pressure.
Burton-upon-Trent, often called the Capital of Brewing, lived up to its reputation, with the King leaving with a unique souvenir—a bottle of 1902 King’s Ale, a beer originally brewed to commemorate King Edward VII’s visit to Bass Brewers. He also received several bottles of India Pale Ale, a style that has long been associated with the town.
A day filled with history, tradition, and a pint of ale—what better way for the King to wrap up his time in Staffordshire?
Photo by Dan Marsh, Ian T, Wikimedia commons.