Locals ‘shocked’ as King Charles makes surprise Oxfordshire visit

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.

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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!”

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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.

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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.

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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.”