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Locals ‘shocked’ as King Charles makes surprise Oxfordshire visit

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The King visited Oxford Photovoltaics at Pioneer Park in Yarnton between Oxford and Kidlington this afternoon (Friday, March 27).

His Majesty was shown around what is a leading solar energy innovator and manufacturer founded in 2010, operating in the field of Perovskite-based PV.

Residents had no idea that the King was visiting Yarnton and were excited about the town’s surprise royal visitor.

READ MORE: King Charles in Oxfordshire today for royal visit

King Charles III speaks with staff members during a visit to Oxford Photovoltaics Limited. (Image: PA / Kate Green)

Deanna Sharman has lived in the small town for many years and was overjoyed that King Charles had chosen to stop by.

“I’m shocked as I have only just found out that the King is right here in Yarnton, and I think that it is lovely,” she told this newspaper.

“I’ve lived here for a long time, and other than at Blenheim Palace and in Oxford, of course, we haven’t had any royals here in Yarnton before.”

She then laughed and added: “But we could have had someone in secret before, like today, and I wouldn’t have known!”

READ MORE: Beckhams battle neighbours again over £12m Cotswolds mansion plans

Oxford Pioneer Park in Yarnton.The King visited Oxford Pioneer Park in Yarnton. (Image: Newsquest)

The rain was spitting on Friday morning with grey skies overhead, leaving Ms Sharman hoping it would brighten up for the King later on.

“I wish the weather was a bit better through as he seems to always end up wherever it’s raining, he’s always there with a brolly,” she said.

“But no, I’m glad he’s getting around, especially after his cancer and everything.”

Several Thames Valley Police vehicles were stationed outside Pioneer Park as officers kept watch during the special visit as a helicopter flew overhead.

READ MORE: Top Gear star James May was due in court over motoring charge

Deanna Sharman.Yarnton resident Deanna Sharman. (Image: Newsquest)

Another longtime Yarnton resident, who wished to remain anonymous, praised the King for his strong focus on the environment.

“I think it’s cool that the King is here as he’s a very environmentally friendly person and he’s been trying to do a lot for many, many years that people don’t really understand that he’s been doing,” she said.

“It would have been great to know that he was coming, but I understand with security pressures around the King, especially with what’s going on in the world today.”

Despite living in Yarnton since the late 1980s, this was the first royal visit that the resident had observed in the town.

READ MORE: Michaela Strachan talks Springwatch and Chris Packham relationship

Oxford Pioneer Park in Yarnton.Police vehicles stationed outside Oxford Pioneer Park. (Image: Newsquest)

“I know there have been royal visits to Oxford before,” she added.

“I remember my dad telling me that when Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother opened the Weston Library by the Bodleian Library, the sky broke in the lock.

“My mum used to work at Christchurch, and the late Queen was there too.”

“It is very exciting to have the King here now, and I’m just really pleased that he’s taking note of all the environmental stuff that people are doing to try and save the planet.”





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Aureus School girls were inspired by Navy’s women’s day

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Three Year 10 pupils from Aureus School in Didcot travelled to London for the Royal Navy International Women’s Day event, held on HMS President during Careers Week and designed to showcase opportunities within the Royal Navy and beyond.

Students Antonia Pop, Ellie Swan and Tilly Mulvey are all taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

Ellie Swan said: “It was fantastic to see the possible career paths within the Navy.”

Rob Hayden, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award manager at Aureus School, accompanied the students to the event.

He said: “During the day, students had talks from individuals within the Navy and from guest speakers, including Hannah Botterman, who last year won both the Rugby World Cup and the Six Nations with England.”

He said: “Students also had the chance to network with the speakers and other attendees.

“The event showed the students a wide range of inspirational females within the Navy and other careers.”

Aureus School, part of the GLF Schools multi-academy trust, says its vision is focused on ‘cultivating ambition’ and ‘high standards for all’.

Headteacher Kirsty Rogers says the Didcot-based co-educational comprehensive has undergone a ‘transformative journey’, creating a community where students feel a strong sense of belonging. She emphasises inclusivity, high expectations, and a broad curriculum that encourages ambition, resilience and respect, supported by dedicated staff and diverse extra-curricular opportunities.





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Ryanair launches two new routes in significant move

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The flights mark a major boost to the airport’s connectivity ahead of the budget airline’s record Summer 2026 schedule.

The new routes form part of Ryanair’s expanded Glasgow programme for Summer 2026, which will see the airline operate over 100 weekly flights across eight routes.

The new double-daily London Stansted service further strengthens Glasgow’s access to the English capital, while the launch of the Warsaw service enhances Glasgow’s international offering.

Jonathan Ford, portfolio manager at AGS Airports, said: “It’s fantastic to see Ryanair’s new services to London Stansted and Warsaw take off today.

“The double-daily Stansted route offers even more flexibility for business and leisure travellers heading to and from England’s innovation corridor, while Warsaw provides a valuable new link that expands the international connectivity available to our passengers.

“These launches mark the start of what will be a record summer for Ryanair at Glasgow, and we look forward to welcoming even more travellers through our doors.”

Last month, Ryanair launched its 2026 plan for Glasgow with 10 routes, including holiday hotspots like Lanzarote, Palma de Mallorca, and Tenerife, as well as city break destinations like Barcelona and Pisa.

The budget airline will also operate extra frequencies on its Alicante, Faro, Pisa, Malaga and Murcia routes.

The new schedule is underpinned by Ryanair’s two Glasgow Prestwick-based aircraft.





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Drug driving arrest carried out in Oxfordshire market town

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Thames Valley Police said it stopped a vehicle yesterday evening (Saturday March 28) after noting it had defective lights in Woodstock.

The car “smelt of cannabis” and following a “positive drugs test” the police arrested the motorist.

READ MORE: Investigation launched as unidentified Toyota ‘hits’ pedestrian near Uni Parks

A positive drugs test (Image: TVP)

A spokesperson for the the roads policing unit said they “stopped a vehicle this evening with defective lights in Woodstock”.

They added: “The vehicle smelt of cannabis. The driver provided a positive drug wipe and was arrested.”

Driving under the influence of drugs (drug driving) is a criminal offence and if found guilty, the driver could face an automatic driving ban, a hefty fine, and potential prison time.





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