The King travelled to Oxfordshire today to tour the facilities of Oxford Photovoltaics Limited, a company widely regarded as a global leader in cutting-edge solar technology.
The visit saw the monarch meet with employees at Oxford PV, which has established itself as a trailblazer in developing solar panels that harness a greater portion of the sun’s spectrum to generate affordable, clean power.
During his time at the company’s headquarters, the King was welcomed by senior executives before receiving a briefing on the business operations.
He also witnessed a demonstration of perovskite, described as a ‘magic material’ that enables the enhanced efficiency of the firm’s solar panels.
The King travelled to Oxfordshire today to tour the facilities of Oxford Photovoltaics Limited, a company widely regarded as a global leader in cutting-edge solar technology.
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PA
The monarch subsequently toured the laboratory, where he met members of the technology team and examined components through microscopes, learning about the practical applications of the panels and their environmental benefits.
Oxford PV’s innovative approach combines traditional silicon with perovskite materials to create tandem solar cells that generate a minimum of 20 per cent additional power compared to conventional silicon panels occupying the same space.
The Oxfordshire-based firm, which has operated at the cutting edge of solar innovation since 2010, aims to bring perovskite technology into widespread use, allowing for more efficient utilisation of green spaces.
The company currently employs roughly 150 workers globally, with around 60 based at its Oxford research and development headquarters.
The monarch subsequently toured the laboratory, where he met members of the technology team and examined components through microscopes, learning about the practical applications of the panels and their environmental benefits.
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PA
On Thursday, the date of the King’s Speech was officially confirmed by the House of Commons Leader.
Sir Alan Campbell told MPs that the date for King Charles to deliver the Government’s legislative programme has been chosen as May 13.
During the state opening of parliament, the monarch will present a list of proposed bills on behalf of Keir Starmer’s administration.
The scheduling of the speech on May 13 positions the speech just six days after the local elections on May 7.
On Thursday, the date of the King’s Speech was officially confirmed by the House of Commons Leader.
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PA
Parliamentary votes following the King’s Speech traditionally function as a confidence measure in the sitting Government.
Government sources indicate that Parliament will be prorogued during the week of April 27, bringing to a close a continuous session that has spanned nearly two years under Keir Starmer’s leadership.
April 29 is the preferred target date for this suspension, according to sources briefed on the discussions.
However, two sources suggested prorogation could potentially be pushed back to May 5 as ministers work to guide remaining legislation through the House of Lords.