The monarch faced an awkward incident during a visit to the Yarnton area close to Oxford.

King Charles travelled to Oxford Photovoltaics Limited on Friday, March 27 to unveil a commemorative plaque at the Oxfordshire business.

The pioneering firm focuses on developing cutting-edge solar panels engineered to capture a wider portion of the sun’s energy spectrum for clean, affordable electricity production.

As the monarch moved to reveal the plaque, it unexpectedly slid off its display stand and landed on the ground, causing those present to laugh.

He later described the incident as disastrous after the plaque tumbled from its position.

Upon arrival, the leadership team greeted the monarch, who received a detailed overview of the company’s activities and viewed a demonstration of perovskite – the revolutionary material powering the solar technology’s improved effectiveness.

Inside the laboratory, the king conversed with technical experts, toured the facilities, and inspected various components using microscopes.

Employees shared information with His Majesty about the real-world applications of the solar panels and their eco-friendly advantages.

Addressing the workforce, the monarch expressed that he hoped they could accelerate the transition somewhat, apparently referring to moving away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy.

He additionally noted that he found them extraordinary for sustaining their efforts, though acknowledged that reaching the stage where they could fully commercialise these developments requires time. He emphasised the urgent need for their products, describing them as fantastic and suitable for installation on individual rooftops.

The company employs approximately 150 staff members worldwide, with about 60 based at its research and development centre and international headquarters in Oxford.

Situated at Oxford Pioneer Park in Yarnton, the firm holds a leading position in perovskite-on-silicon tandem photovoltaic technology, a particular category of solar cell.

This tandem solar technology is set to introduce a fresh era for solar development, offering a path to substantially enhanced performance relative to conventional silicon-based solar panels.

Oxford PV ranks as a global frontrunner in perovskite solar technology, manufacturing a scalable and high-efficiency clean energy product.

The enterprise holds more than 400 granted patents, with its tandem technology producing considerably higher energy output compared to standard silicon cells, according to the business.