Fuel delivery drivers plan on walking out for 15 days

Union bosses are threatening to reduce fuel supplies to King Charles and the Royal Family over Christmas and the New Year as heating oil delivery drivers go on strike.

Some 400 tanker drivers at Certas Energy, a supplier to the Sandringham estate, are expected to walk out over the festive period.

 

The Unite union claimed the King and Queen will face a “cold Christmas” because of the strikes.

Drivers plan on walking out for 15 days between December 22 and January 25 in a dispute over pay.

King Charles, Queen Camilla

Unions claim King Chalres and Queen Camilla will face a ‘cold Christmas’ | GETTY

As well as the disruption of supplies to Sandringham, the strike will also impact schools, military establishments, Royal Mail refuelling areas and hundreds of petrol stations, the union claimed.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Certas drivers don’t expect to be treated like royalty, but they do expect a fair pay rise from their employer.”

Sharon Graham

Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said: ‘Certas drivers don’t expect to be treated like royalty, but they do expect a fair pay rise from their employer’| PA

The union said energy supplier Certas had proposed a two per cent pay increase.

The strike could be avoided if the group were to make an offer “acceptable to members”, the union stated.

A Certas Energy spokesman told GB News: “Contrary to some inaccurate press reports, Certas Energy confirms that drivers have been offered a generous, above-inflation pay and conditions offer.

“The offer was made in recognition of the important role our fuel delivery drivers play in delivering to our customers across the country. Certas Energy remain engaged with Unite to achieve a swift resolution. Customers should be reassured that in the event of industrial strike action, Certas Energy has steps in place to mitigate impact and to minimise any potential disruption to customers.”

King Charles

The King does have backup options should the strike cause affect | GETTY

A shortage of fuel at Sandringham could be resolved by a biomass boiler installed by the late Prince Phillip.

The boiler is powered by woodchips from trees on the grand estate.

The King also commissioned a solar farm for the estate, which is believed to have been completed in the summer, though its 2,000 panels will require winter sunshine to function.

His majesty avoided a fresh headache ahead of Christmas with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s reluctance to vacate Royal Lodge.

King Charles

His majesty avoided a fresh headache ahead of Christmas with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor | GETTY

The former prince’s delay has prevented him from relocating to Sandringham.

Those within the King’s circle regard this timing as rather “fortuitous”, particularly as Andrew has not received an invitation to join the Christmas celebrations.

Should he eventually take up residence at Sandringham next year, the monarch may opt to shift the traditional royal Christmas gathering to Windsor Castle.

Such a move would echo the approach taken by Queen Victoria, who established the precedent of celebrating the festive season at the Berkshire residence.

Andrew has formally submitted notice to vacate Royal Lodge, though the minimum required period of 12 months means he remains responsible for the Windsor property throughout the coming year.