Kate Middleton and Prince William begin three-day UK train tour
Royals arrive in Edinburgh: Prince William and Kate Middleton are greeted by bagpipes as they step off train in Scottish capital for first visit of three-day UK tour – after thanking UK transport workers in London
- Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, both 38, have started their three day royal train tour across the UK today
- Prince William and Kate Middleton will pay tribute to Covid-19 frontline workers ahead of Christmas holidays
- Their Royal Highnesses are travelling on the Royal Train, making stops in England, Scotland and Wales
- Couple arrived in Edinburgh this morning to sounds of a piper playing Christmas songs including Jingle Bells
Prince William and Kate Middleton arrived in Scotland today as they kicked off a three-day whirlwind tour of the UK to pay tribute to frontline workers and thank them for their efforts during Covid-19 crisis.
As they pulled into Edinburgh’s Waverley station this morning after travelling overnight from London Euston, they were treated to the sounds of a piper playing Christmas songs including Jingle Bells and Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.
They were welcomed to the city on the platform and chatted briefly, before thanking the piper and leaving to make their way to their first engagement.
The first official engagement on the festive morale-boosting tour saw them meeting frontline workers from the Scottish Ambulance Service in Newbridge, Edinburgh, where the pair thanked the staff for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.
Before they left London, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, both 38, penned a personal message of thanks for transport workers on a London Underground service information board. Kensington Palace shared images of the notice and of Kate writing the words and William signing it.
The message read: ‘Thank you to all transport workers everywhere for keeping the country moving throughout this difficult year. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! Catherine. William’
William and Kate left Euston Station on board the Royal Train last night for the first of nine stops on their whirlwind 48 hour, 1,250-mile tour across England, Scotland and Wales which kicks off this morning.
It was a royal departure like no other and even featured a special performance from 80s pop star Shakin’ Stevens who performed his perennial festive favourite, ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ for transport workers at the station.
The royal couple are keen to pay tribute in person to the incredible work of individuals and organisations that have gone above and beyond in response to the Covid crisis.
After travelling overnight from London Euston, the duke was the first to step out of the Royal Claret-coloured carriages, followed by Kate in a Liberty print face covering, with a matching blue coat
The couple wrapped up in woolen coats as they arrived in chilly Edinburgh this morning
The duchess, in a Liberty print face covering, was dressed in a smart blue coat and black gloves, while William was wearing a navy coat and a tartan scarf
William donned a tartan scarf for the occasion while Kate wore a floral face mask at Waverley station this morning
The Duchess of Cambridge last night penned a note of thanks on boards at Euston Station in London
William wished transport workers a Merry Christmas as he thanked them for their service throughout the pandemic
They pulled into Edinburgh Waverley station to the sounds of a piper playing Christmas songs including Jingle Bells and Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will meet the Queen for a heart-warming family engagement at the end of a nationwide ‘Christmas Express’ tour on the royal train, starting today
William and Kate left Euston Station on board the Royal Train (pictured) last night for the first of nine stops on their whirlwind 48 hour, 1,250-mile tour across England, Scotland and Wales
Who is ‘The Doodle Boy’?
Joe Whale, better known as the Doodle Boy, created this artwork for the Cambridge’s trip
Kate and William’s trip has been immortalised in a stylised drawing by schoolboy artist Joe Whale, better known as the Doodle Boy, who has found worldwide fame with his creative efforts.
The youngster, who was approached by the Cambridges’ office to create the artwork, launched a YouTube channel during the coronavirus pandemic to teach others how to doodle.
The 11-year-old was sent to an after-school art class after he got told off for doodling when he was bored during lessons.
But his teacher was so impressed with his work, she asked his parents if she could put it on Instagram where he has since amassed more than 108,000 followers.
Last year, a local restaurant hired him to create a mural on the wall of their dining room.
In June, a US publisher asked him to illustrate a series of children’s books with the first being published next year.
The visit at the Scottish Ambulance Service this morning coincided with the announcement that William and Kate have become joint patrons of NHS Charities Together.
Ian Lush, chair of NHS Charities Together, said: ‘This is such an honour for our organisation and for all the NHS charities across the UK.
‘The involvement of Their Royal Highnesses will inspire the public to do even more to support the amazing NHS staff and volunteers who have done so much to keep us safe and well this year.
‘We can’t wait to start working with the duke and duchess, the potential is so exciting.’
Kensington Palace said William and Kate’s visit on Monday had added poignancy as it falls on the day the Scottish Ambulance Service remembers a colleague lost to Covid-19.
The duke and duchess received a rock and roll send-off on Sunday when Shakin’ Stevens serenaded them before they boarded the royal train.
The singer, known for a string of hits in the 1980s, sang his festive smash-hit single Merry Christmas Everyone for the couple and a group of transport workers.
The track topped the charts during Christmas 1985 and was picked by William and Kate as the song they wanted to hear.
The Duchess, wearing an Alexander McQueen coat and tartan scarf, tapped her foot and swayed to the music as they waved to passengers from a balcony.
Stevens, 72, said he was ‘over the moon’ to be playing for the Duke and Duchess, revealing that it was the first time he had played for royalty in his long career.
‘I’m loving it, it was lovely to be invited,’ he said. ‘And it was them who chose the song. Over the moon.’
Stevens said the Cambridges were ‘certainly fans’ of his festive hit, adding: ‘They picked it!’
Before climbing aboard the royal train, the couple took time out to meet transport workers at the station to hear about their experiences of working throughout the pandemic.
William told Orson Parris, a network traffic controller for Transport for London: ‘Fingers crossed 2021 gets things back to normal.’
And the Duke told Alero Abbey, TfL area manager for Green Park and Euston: ‘It’s moments like this when people really appreciate what you do every day. Suddenly we all know what you do and that you do a really good job.’
Network Rail staff altered the departure boards for the occasion, changing Wolverhampton to Warmerhampton, Coventry to Coventry Carol and Northampton to Northpolehamton.
William and Kate were keen to personally pass on their thanks to Transport for London, Network Rail and train operating companies for everything they have done to keep the capital running throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The trip has been organised so the couple can thank frontline workers, volunteers, care home staff, teachers, schoolchildren and young people and hear about their experiences and sacrifices, as well as the inspirational work they have done throughout this life-changing year.
A source said: ‘Their Royal Highnesses want to pass on the nation’s sincere thanks and gratitude for all of their efforts to keep people safe and keep the country going.’
It is believed the trip is Kate’s first official journey by royal train, despite having been a member of the monarchy for almost a decade, while the duke has used it a number of times.
Details of the engagements will be kept secret until the couple’s arrival so as not to encourage crowds.
William and Kate carried out their first official engagement after setting off on the tour, meeting frontline workers from the Scottish Ambulance Service in Newbridge, Edinburgh
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge waved to onlookers as they arrive by train at Edinburgh Waverley Station
It is believed the trip is Kate’s first official journey by royal train, despite having been a member of the monarchy for almost a decade, while the duke has used it a number of times
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were pictured in the capital after arriving in Scotland early this morning
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they arrived at at Edinburgh Waverley Station early this morning
They were welcomed to the city on the platform and chatted briefly, before thanking the piper and leaving the station to make their way to their first engagement
The couple travelled overnight after setting off on Sunday evening from London’s Euston station on the 1,250-mile, three-day tour
Their Royal Highnesses are travelling on the Royal Train (pictured) between Sunday and Tuesday, making stops in England, Scotland and Wales in line with government guidance
But a series of ‘fun’ surprises have been organised at each of the couple’s stops as they celebrate community spirit and demonstrate the impact of the public’s generosity this year, by showcasing organisations and initiatives that have been supported by community relief funds, including NHS Charities Together.
The couple also plan to showcase the UK’s arts, heritage and live performance sector, which have been decimated by Covid and the resulting lockdowns.
There will be a number of festive performances across the three days by local artists, and visits to highlight the work done by the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.
The mini tour will end with the William and Kate meeting with the Queen, Charles and Camilla for a rare photo call together. The retired Prince Philip, 99, will not be present.
One of the highlights of the trip will be the couple’s arrival at each stop on the Queen’s distinctive burgundy-liveried Royal Train.
William and Kate left Euston Station on board the Royal Train last night for the first of nine stops on their whirlwind 48 hour, 1,250-mile tour across England, Scotland and Wales first thing in the morning
The couple were serenaded by 80s pop star Shakin’ Stevens, 72, as they boarded the royal train for their first UK tour with a very festive send-off. The singer said he was ‘over the moon’ to have his first ever performance to royalty
The Duchess, wearing an Alexander McQueen coat and tartan scarf, tapped her foot and swayed to the music as they waved to passengers from a balcony
Before climbing aboard the royal train, the couple took time out to meet transport workers at the station to hear about their experiences of working throughout the pandemic
A source said: ‘Their Royal Highnesses want to pass on the nation’s sincere thanks and gratitude for all of their efforts to keep people safe and keep the country going’
After enjoying a performance by Shakin’ Stevens and speaking with railway workers, the couple boarded the train on the first leg of their journey. Details of the engagements will be kept secret until the couple’s arrival so as not to encourage crowds
Stevens, 72, said he was ‘over the moon’ to be playing for the Duke and Duchess, revealing that it was the first time he had played for royalty in his long career
Before they departed, the couple took time out to meet transport workers at the station to hear about their experiences of working throughout the pandemic
Network Rail staff altered the departure boards for the occasion, changing Wolverhampton to Warmerhampton, Coventry to Coventry Carol and Northampton to Northpolehamton
Permission to travel on the nine-carriage train has to be given by the Queen personally, and she is said to be very much behind her grandson and granddaughter-in-law’s ‘wonderful’ idea
One of the highlights of the trip will be the couple’s arrival at each stop on the Queen’s distinctive burgundy-liveried Royal Train
Over the next few days, William and Kate, will travel 1,250 miles and undertake working visits meeting NHS staff, volunteers, care home staff, teachers, schoolchildren and young people to hear about their experiences, sacrifices and the work they have done throughout this challenging year.
The couple will also pass on the nation’s sincere thanks and gratitude for all of their efforts to keep people safe and keep the country going.
Ahead of their trip, 10-year-old British artist, Joe Whale – known as The Doodle Boy, has created an illustration to bring the journey to life.
Many of the engagements undertaken by the Cambridges will celebrate community spirit and demonstrate the impact of the public’s generosity this year, by showcasing organisations and initiatives that have been supported by community relief funds, including NHS Charities Together.
Their Royal Highnesses’ visits will also showcase the UK’s arts, heritage and live performance sector, which has been supported throughout the pandemic by the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.
There will be a number of festive performances across the three days by local artists, celebrating the inspiring work of the organisations and projects the Duke and Duchess are visiting.
Queen Victoria was the first reigning British sovereign to use the Royal Train, in June 1842.
The journey was from Slough (at that time the closest train station to Windsor Castle) to London Paddington.
Royal guests have to make do with small single beds. There are no showers – instead there are rather dated-looking 70s-style baths with a marker line to stop them being over-filled
Although the train looks grand from the outside, its carriage are far more spartan than anyone could imagine
There is, however, a 12-steamer supper car with a Formica table
Ahead of their trip, 10-year-old British artist, Joe Whale – known as The Doodle Boy, has created an illustration to bring the journey to life
Queen Victoria was the first reigning British sovereign to use the Royal Train, in June 1842. The journey was from Slough – at that time the closest train station to Windsor Castle – to London, Paddington
In the year of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee a single set of ‘Royal Train’ carriages was formed for the first time and has remained in service ever since.
The locomotives that power the train are capable of speeds up to 125mph, but are restricted to 100mph when on royal duty.
The Royal Train was used just five times in 2018, costing on average £22,000 a time.
The Queen, 94, used it just twice in 2018, to Chester with Meghan Markle, 39, costing £29,714, and again in March 2019 when she visited the west of England and returned to Windsor, which cost the public purse £21,230.
Prince Charles, 72, the only other senior royal permitted to use the Royal Train until now, made three trips on it.
A spokesperson for Kensington Palace said: ‘The Duke and Duchess are very much looking forward to shining a spotlight on the incredible work that has been done across the country throughout this difficult year and to sharing their gratitude on behalf of the nation for all those supporting their local communities ahead of the Christmas holidays.’
The Queen, 94, used the Royal Train just twice in 2018, once to Chester with Meghan Markle, 39, in June (pictured) costing £29,714
Prince William and his father Prince Charles arriving at Bangor Station on the Royal Train in 2003 for a visit to Wales in the run-up to his 21st birthday
This year the Queen and Prince Philip, who traditionally spend the festive season with close family at Sandringham in Norfolk, will spend Christmas ‘quietly’ at Windsor Castle.
It is understood they will not form a ‘bubble’ with any other family members.
It means the couple face spending Christmas Day without any of their four children for the first time since 1949, when the then Princess Elizabeth left a one-year-old Charles in the UK so she could be with Prince Philip in Malta.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are likely to spend Christmas either at Anmer Hall, in Norfolk, or at the Middleton family home in Berkshire.
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall will spend Christmas at Highgrove, in Gloucestershire, although they expect to see the Queen and Prince Philip at Windsor at some point over the festive season. Camilla will also spend time with her family.
Prince Edward, the Countess of Wessex and their children live at Bagshot Park, Surrey, while Princess Anne and her family live at Gatcombe Park, in Gloucestershire. Prince Andrew is the only one of the Queen’s four children who lives in Windsor.
The Queen won’t attend a church service on Christmas Day in order to prevent crowds gathering but is expected to worship privately in Windsor Castle’s private chapel.
