A former royal staff member responsible for maintaining King Charles’ fleet of cars has provided a rare glimpse into the “relentless” upkeep needed to keep the monarch’s luxury vehicles in pristine condition.
Martin Cooper, who spoke with Number 1 Plates, was assigned to clean several cars in the royal collection. This selection of the King’s privately-owned vehicles—excluding the ‘state cars’ used for official engagements—is valued at over £6.3 million, according to The Guardian.
While one might assume that maintaining the King’s fleet requires top-tier craftsmanship and expensive products, Martin revealed that some of the most effective cleaning supplies used behind palace gates were everyday household items.
“Many people think it’s all about premium waxes and £50 shampoos, but honestly, the basics worked best,” said Martin. “It was all about consistency and care—not the price tags.”
He noted that the level of maintenance was relentless: “Every car was cleaned daily if it was in use, sometimes more than once. Whenever a vehicle left the garage, it was checked, wiped down, and detailed upon its return—without fail.
“We were taught that the cars were not just transportation; they were an extension of the Crown and needed to look perfect.” Even vehicles that weren’t regularly used received weekly care.
“We’d rotate through the fleet so that nothing looked neglected. Tires were cleaned, interiors aired out, and chrome polished—even if a car hadn’t been driven in days.”
