Still cool after more than 70 years, the 'oldest fridge' in Britain: Couple's Electrolux appliance they bought for £49 is 'going strong' after surviving the heatwave

A couple have claimed King Charles' crown as proud owners of Britain's oldest working fridge that is 'still going strong' after more than seven decades.The pair, who are based in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire and both in their 80s, have been using the cooling appliance since just after World War Two.Built by Electrolux in the 1930s and purchased for just £49 in 1949, the two feet wide and three feet tall fridge is thought to be worth a staggering £2,200 today.While it may be a vintage item, the fridge 'is still going strong' and has even helped the pair keep their food and drink cool during this summer's record-breaking heatwave.The 'tiny' retro appliance has a clipped metal latch for opening but is limited in space - unable to hold more than 'two coke bottles stacked upon one another'.Domestic appliances sales company John Kerry & Sons discovered the rare item when they were called to the couple's home to help fix their modern fridge-freezer.It comes after King Charles previously suggested in 2021 his then 67-year-old Frigidaire appliance at his Castle of Mey residence in Scotland, held the title.The monarch's 5'8' tall appliance was bought new by the Queen Mother in 1954, two years after she purchased the sprawling Scottish estate. A couple have claimed King Charles' crown as proud owners of Britain's oldest working fridge (pictured) that is 'still going strong' more than seven decades later Built by Electrolux in the 1930s and purchased for just £49 in 1949, it is thought to be worth a staggering £2,200 today While it may be old, the fridge, which is around two feet wide and three feet tall, 'is still going strong', and has helped the pair keep their food and drink cool during this summer's record-breaking heatwaveAdam Kerry, a salesman at the company, said they came across the fridge after visiting the couple's house to replace their fridge-freezer, which had broken due to the recent heatwave.The 24-year-old said: 'They were relying on it while their fridge and freezer were broken, probably due to the heat.'The couple's parents bought it second hand in 1930 something for £49. That's about £1800 in today's money.'It doesn't keep things chilled as you might expect today. It doesn't have the same energy efficiency.'The fridge is tiny. You couldn't buy anything that size today. It's definitely not big enough for the weekly shop. You couldn't fit two coke bottles stacked on one another in there.'Mr Kerry added that the fridge had survived for almost eight decades because of its 'quality' and workmanship.Meanwhile, business owner Jonathan Kerry added that he visited the house again earlier this year to check up on it and says it is 'still going strong'.The owners said: 'It's an old workhorse. It definitely deserves a long service medal. It comes after King Charles previously suggested in 2021 his then 67-year-old Frigidaire appliance at his Castle of Mey residence in Scotland, held the title The Monarch's 5'8' tall appliance was bought new by the Queen Mother in 1954, two years after she purchased the Castle of Mey It is believed the Queen Mother personally selected the fridge and approved its purchase from a supplier in nearby Wick, despite her reputation for frugality'We use it a Christmas when we need extra space or for storing apples in the summer. It's been very well behaved.'We're quite happy to be its guardians for years to come.'The couple later adopted the fridge and took it with them to Sussex, where they lived for 40 years, before returning to Gloucestershire in 2006.They described the prized possession as a 'family heirloom' which they hope to 'pass down'.King Charles's 5ft 8in tall Frigidaire fridge has been in service at the castle in Caithness for nearly all of the Queen’s reign – it was made the year after her 1953 Coronation – and it is even a feature of interest for tours.The only known blip in its service was when modern technology was introduced at the castle. Underfloor heating installed in 2000 appeared to upset its temperature control. It was then put on blocks and has worked perfectly since.Shirley Farquhar, the castle’s managing director, said the fridge was an ‘essential part of the kitchen. It was certainly built to last’.It is believed the Queen Mother personally selected the fridge and approved its purchase from a supplier in nearby Wick, despite her reputation for frugality.The Queen Mother, who died in 2002 at the age of 101, rented a TV set and video recorder for her annual stay at the remote castle, which was the only home she ever owned.She first saw what was then Barrogill Castle in 1952 while mourning the death of her husband, King George VI. Falling for its ruined, isolated charm, and hearing it was to be abandoned, she declared: ‘Never! It’s part of Scotland’s heritage. I’ll save it.’In 2021, The Mail on Sunday revealed how fridges, washing machines and TVs will in future have to be guaranteed to last longer amid concern over environmental damage.Plans include a legal requirement to stock spare parts for seven years after devices are sold, labelling to set out an appliance’s expected lifespan, and a new Union Flag kitemark to uphold a ‘world-beating standard’.