Tory MPs slam for SNP ‘swipe’ at Kate Middleton and Prince William
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Furious Tories hit back at Nicola Sturgeon’s ‘swipe at Kate and William’ after SNP leader warned Royals that ‘rulebreaking’ trip to Edinburgh may breach travel ban – as Scottish scientists urge POLICE to probe couple’s UK tour to thank frontline workers
- 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
- Pair visited frontline workers at an ambulance station before arranging for schoolchildren to meet reindeer
Furious Tories have today hit back at Nicola Sturgeon’s ‘swipe’ at Prince William and Kate Middleton over their whistle-stop tour to Scotland.
The Scottish leader revealed at a daily briefing today that the country’s government had reminded the Palace of the strict Covid restrictions north of the border ahead of the couple’s morale boosting tour.
But while a Tory MP today slammed the reminder as ‘unsubtle’ and ‘rude’, and another described it as ‘petty’,one Scottish scientist called for police to look into the visit, raising questions over whether it had breached the country’s travel ban.
Crossing the Scottish border was made illegal from the end of November and anyone caught entering or leaving Scotland without a reasonable excuse could be slapped with a £60 fine. Travelling across the border is permitted for work purposes. Royal sources say the trip was permitted under the work purposes exemption.
The Royals arrived in Edinburgh this morning to the sound of bagpipes serenading them with Christmas songs, before meeting workers at a Scottish Ambulance Service hub.
The pair are attempting to spread festive cheer to frontline workers ahead of the Christmas holidays on their 48-hour train tour. The tour is also designed to showcase the UK’s arts, heritage and live performance sector, which has been supported throughout the pandemic by the Government’s £1.57billion Culture Recovery Fund.
But the First Minister did not extend a welcome message to the couple during her daily briefing today – despite being asked about the trip.
Instead, Ms Sturgeon said: ‘The Scottish Government was advised about the intention to visit, and we made sure that the Royal Household were aware, as you would expect, of the restrictions in place in Scotland so that could inform both the decision and the planning of the visit.’
‘Any more questions on that should be directed to the Royal household,’ she added.
The Scottish government said Ms Sturgeon did not try to stop the Royals from going to Scotland, adding she simply reiterated the guidance in place. A spokesperson later said: ‘The First Minister welcomes the support shown by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for Scotland’s NHS.’
Today one Tory MP hit out at the earlier ‘swipe’ at the Royal couple. The MP told MailOnline: ‘This man is the future King of Scotland.
‘It is very unsubtle and I think it will backfire on her because there are a lot of loyalist Scots who would be pretty appalled that she would behave in such a rude manner. She should know better.’
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took some festive cheer with them on their royal train tour of the country, as they met delighted youngsters at the Holy Trinity Church of England First School in Berwick-upon-Tweed
The Scottish leader (pictured today) said she had reminded the Palace of the country’s strict Covid restrictions north of the border ahead their morale boosting tour
The pair are attempting to spread festive cheer to frontline workers ahead of the Christmas holidays on their 48-hour train tour
Ms Sturgeon’s response also drew criticism from Conservative MPs in Scotland.
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser told the Herald: ‘It seems very petty to be criticising the Royal Family for wanting to thank Scottish NHS staff for their heroic efforts.
‘Given that the First Minister had earlier visited NHS staff, presumably after travelling from her home to work too, it seems a bit odd that she didn’t back this trip and make it clear that it was within the rules.
‘Rather than thanking William and Kate for the work they are doing to raise morale at these difficult times, the First Minister seems to be afraid of angering the republicans in her party, so she pandered to them instead.’
But others raised concern about the trip, which Royal sources insist was within the rules.
Dr Katrian Farrell, a haemotologist at NHS Forth Valley, tweeted: ‘I absolutely do not understand why the #RoyalTrainTour is being allowed in Edinburgh. Edinburgh is in tier 3. No non essential travel into or out of region.
‘Would @scotgov or @policescotland care to comment?’
Another chair of Global Public Health at Edinburgh University Medical School, Professor Devi Sridhar, added: ‘Love it here but some things I will never understand about Britain. Aren’t we all in a pandemic & living under travel restrictions?’
Meanwhile, social media users have defended Kate and William’s trip and taken a swipe at Ms Sturgeon over her comments.
One person on Twitter said: ‘She’s (Ms Sturgeon) has never heard of the importance of the feelgood factor clearly!
‘Kate and William are demonstrating a real understanding of the needs of the British public.
‘Maybe Nicola Sturgeon doesn’t want to be British, but she has people she’s responsible for who might welcome a well done!’
Another said: ‘The nerve of this woman trying to stop the future King and Queen visiting Scotland to thank essential workers.’
The Earl and Countess of Strathearn, as they are titled while carrying out official engagements in Scotland, arrived at Edinburgh Waverley after spending the night in the Royal train.
Among the party waiting to greet them was the Lord Provost of Edinburgh’s official piper, Louise Marshall, who piped the Royal couple through the concourse playing a medley of Christmas hits on the pipes.
The Royal couple’s first engagement of the whistle-stop tour of the UK was to staff at one of the Scottish Ambulance Service’s (SAS) nerve centres at Newbridge, outside Edinburgh.
William, dressed in a dark blue coat and tartan scarf, and Kate, wearing a blue Catherine Walker coat and carrying a bag by Scottish designer Strathberry, thanked staff for their incredible efforts in coping with their demanding jobs while many were affected by personal Covid tragedies.
They chatted with staff and heard deeply moving accounts of how many of them have been affected personally during the crisis, while continuing to provide vital first response cover across the country.
During their visit, it was announced that the Royal couple would become joint patrons of NHS Charities Together, the charity which has worked tirelessly to provide hospitals and emergency workers with vital PPE equipment.
Scotland gets nearly £2,000 per head more than England in public spending
The latest Treasury figures for 2019-20 show that Scotland has continued to benefit from far more public spending than England
Scotland is getting nearly £2,000 per head more than England in public spending despite Nicola Sturgeon complaining about a lack of cash.
The SNP leader has regularly used the level of funding from the Treasury as part of her drive to split up the UK.
She caused particular fury recently by deploying the gripe in relation to coronavirus – despite the £9.2billion extra already allocated to the Scottish government to deal with the pandemic.
But the latest figures show that Scotland has continued to benefit from far more state spending than England.
The identifiable outlay amounted to £11,566 per person in 2019-20, up from £11,247 the previous year. By contrast south of the border spending was £9,604 per head, having risen from £9,296 in 2018-19.
Northern Ireland received the highest per capita sum, at £11,987. Wales also received proportionally more than England at £10,929.
The UK average was £9,895 per head last year.
The spending gap with England – thought to have grown from just £1,000 when the Scottish Parliament opened in 1999 – has sparked Tory demands for reform the Barnett Formula, which is used by the UK Government to figure out how much funding should be given to the other home nations based on funding in England.
But others have suggested that the cash supplement is the ‘price of keeping the union’.
According to data published over the summer, around £65billion-£66billion of revenues were raised in Scotland in 2019/20 – equivalent to between £11,940 and £12,060 for every person.
Scotland accounted for 9.2 per cent of UK public spending, around 8 per cent of UK revenues and 8.2 per cent of the UK population last year.
Ms Sturgeon’s drive to break up the UK was boosted last week with a poll suggesting support for Scottish independence is running at 56 per cent.
Amid rising alarm among unionists, the latest research also found the SNP was on track for a thumping victory at Holyrood elections in May.
The strong backing for Ms Sturgeon’s separatist cause in the Ipsos MORI survey – just short of the record 58 per cent in October – adds to pressure on Boris Johnson.
The PM has so far dismissed the First Minister’s demands for a referendum to be held as early as next year, after both sides accepted the 2014 contest would settle the issue for a ‘generation’.
However, she has vowed to stand on a Holyrood manifesto to hold a vote, and threatened to take the row to the Supreme Court.
SNP politicians have been gloating that resisting the calls will merely fuel the surge in support for a split north of the border.
The ambulance service received funding from NHS Charities Together, a group of 240 NHS charities, which has been spent on indoor and outdoor wellbeing spaces for staff, as well as wellbeing packs with information booklets and reusable water bottles.
Prince William spoke at length with some of the paramedics about how the additional strains of working under the threat of Covid had impacted on their mental wellbeing.
He and Kate also heard from paramedic Alistair Matson, 54, had to cope with his father falling sick and later dying in hospital during the pandemic. Mr Matson said: ‘It was very emotional talking to the Prince about losing my father.
‘He was very anxious to hear how we managed to cope with the mental strains of our job.
‘I was helped considerably by the great sense of cameraderie at my work. There was never any rush to come back and they have been like another family to me.
‘It was really heartening to see the Royal couple here today acknowledging what we do and their thanks means a lot to us.’
His colleague, John Kane, 59, told the Royal couple how he spent three weeks in an induced coma in Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital after contracting the virus.
‘I had to be placed on a ventilator for three weeks and placed in an induced coma.
‘It was a terrifying time and the recovery has been slow, but again the SAS has helped that. The Prince was particularly interested in how we manage the mental wellbeing of our own staff.’
It also emerged during their visit that the couple had sent a special bouquet of flowers to the family of a veteran paramedic, who died last month after he re-enlisted in April four years after his retirement.
Rod Moore, from Falkirk, died aged 63 after contracting coronavirus. His funeral was due to take place during the royal visit.
An SAS spokesman said: ‘I know that Rod’s family greatly appreciated the flowers sent on behalf of the Royal Family. It was a lovely gesture.’
The couple also made a particular point of thanking the cleaning staff at the unit, telling cleaner Ellen Reeder, 65, that she was ‘one of the most important people in the whole organisation, keeping everything together.’
Afterwards, Ms Reeder, 65, said: ‘It was such an honour for me to meet them. They kept it secret until this morning, which is just as well or I would have got tongue-tied speaking to them.
‘That has really made my day. In fact, I think it has made everyone’s day here to get that appreciation from the Royals.. I am a huge fan.’
There was a fun twist at lunchtime at the Holy Trinity First School in Berwick-upon-Tweed where, as a treat for the children, Kensington Palace arranged for Rent a Reindeer to bring three animals – Chaz, Crackers and her six-month-old calf Echols – to the school.
Kate and William also thanked teachers for their efforts to support learning during in recent months.
Local saxophone group The Earl Grey Saxes played Christmas tunes, including Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, as the school’s 175 pupils waved and sang as the royal couple arrived.
Some wore antlers on their heads and some were in Santa hats for the visit.
William and Kate sanitised their hands as they entered the school grounds, a short drive from the Berwick railway station.
After the visit, headteacher Nicholas Shaw said: ‘It has been fantastic and the children loved it.
‘We feel honoured to have been chosen and appreciate they are taking the time to think about teachers and the work that has been going on in schools.
‘It has been a challenge during lockdown, a lot of new skills have been learned. We stayed open throughout for children of key workers and vulnerable children.’
Rent a Reindeer owner George Richardson brought Chaz, Crackers and Echols for the visit, and told William and Kate about caring for them and how coronavirus had affected his business.
Mr Richardson, who is based in Cold Hesledon, County Durham, said the booking by the palace had been ‘top secret’.
He said: ‘We got a phone call out of the blue two weeks ago, they asked us to bring a reindeer for the royal visit and we were happy to oblige.
‘We brought these three as a group, although Chaz is not the dad … he is the uncle. Mum and baby go with him and they are a nice group.
‘This was baby’s first outing and she took it in her stride.’
William and Kate’s third stop was Batley Community Centre in West Yorkshire.
The duchess had swapped her blue Catherine Walker coat for a navy one, while William switched his tartan scarf for an olive green one for their arrival.
The couple met volunteers from the centre who have supported elderly members of the community throughout the pandemic by sending cards, having regular phone calls and dropping off shopping, food bags and activity packs.
William and Kate also met Len Gardner, a local resident with whom the duchess has been chatting on the phone after she secretly volunteered through the NHS Volunteer Responder Check In And Chat scheme.
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.
Their last stop of the day was at FareShare in Manchester where they paid tribute to volunteers and organisations across the UK who have supported vulnerable families throughout 2020.
FareShare redistributes surplus food from food business to 11,000 charities and community groups in all four nations across the UK – including school breakfast clubs, community centres, homeless shelters and food banks.
During the first national lockdown, the number of families relying on FareShare Greater Manchester for food nearly doubled overnight, and at the same time the charity was inundated with people offering to volunteer with them.
In a speech, William said: ‘I know you’ve had a particularly hard time over recent months, as has the whole of the North of England. I’m really glad we’ve been able to come and talk to some of you in person about how you’ve all been doing.
‘Catherine and I felt that it was extremely important to visit just some of the heroes that have emerged this year to thank you for all that you have done. Whether that’s transport workers, paramedics, school teachers or indeed staff and volunteers like those of you online across the FareShare network or here in Manchester tonight.
‘You are the people that have not only kept our country going but have also helped warm all our hearts by showing us the very best of human nature.
‘The work of FareShare and all your charitable partners is truly remarkable. During this very challenging year, you have created more than 2 million meals a week to support the most vulnerable in our society.
‘Sadly, given the economic challenges ahead, the generosity of your donors is going to be called on even more over the difficult months ahead. But it is inspiring to know that you have risen to the challenge once this year already.
‘And in bleak times, and particularly on this very cold December evening, you give us hope about what we can be achieved if we all work together.’
The meeting was the fourth and final stop on the royal couple’s second day of touring Britain on the Royal Train to thank those who have kept the country going during the virus crisis.
William and Kate met staff and volunteers as well as representatives from Asda, Kellogg’s, John Lewis, and Waitrose, which all work with FareShare.
They also watched staff loading boxes of mince pies and chocolate coins into cars to be distributed to poverty-stricken families around the city.
Marcus Rashford was away with Manchester United, who face RB Leipzig in the Champions League in Germany tomorrow night so could not meet the royal couple.
But they went to the charity’s new warehouse – named Melanie Maynard House after the footballer’s mother – at New Smithfield Market in east Manchester.
Inside the warehouse they stood with charity workers listening to a gospel choir, Wayne Ellington and Manchester Inspirational Voices, perform for an audience that included FareShare staff around Britain watching on Zoom.
Lucy Danger, chief executive of EMERGE which operates FareShare Greater Manchester, said: ‘We are so grateful to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for taking the time to visit our warehouse and meet our team of dedicated staff and volunteers – during what has been an incredibly challenging and difficult time for the people and charities we support.
‘The Covid-19 crisis has presented a challenge like nothing we have ever experienced and we continue to work tirelessly to get food to the children, families and individuals who need it most across Greater Manchester and the rest of the UK. It was an honour and a privilege to host Their Royal Highnesses at FareShare Greater Manchester on behalf of the FareShare network across the UK.’
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.
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’
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 Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met local Len Gardner at the Batley Community Centre, West Yorkshire
Keep cozy like Kate in a blue coat by Catherine Walker
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived in Edinburgh this morning on the first stop of their three-day UK tour.
As ever, we were intrigued to know what Kate would choose to wear on this chilly winter day, and it comes as no surprise that she opted for a coat by Catherine Walker & Co, one of her favorite labels.
It’s one we’ve seen a couple of times before (pictured right, in Norway back in 2018), and we love the chic shade of blue, as well as the elegant funnel neckline.
Unfortunately for us, it’s a bespoke coat so it isn’t available to buy, but click (right) to see more from the designer.
Or layer up in one of the lookalike options from our edit below instead. We’ve found similar looks by Alysi, Topshop and Boohoo that will do the trick!
* PRICES MAY NOT BE AS ADVERTISED
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William and Kate’s third stop was Batley Community Centre in West Yorkshire. The duchess had swapped her blue Catherine Walker coat for a navy one, while William switched his tartan scarf for an olive green one for their arrival
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge surprised primary school children with a Christmas treat of a reindeer visit
During the first visit of their Royal Train Tour across the country, it was announced that The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will become Joint Patrons of NHS Charities Together
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
Kensington Palace posted this image of the pair on its Instagram account, using the hashtag ‘Royal Train Tour’
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 have been kept secret until the couple’s arrival so as not to encourage crowds.
The couple removed their masks as they stepped out of Berwick-upon-Tweed Station
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 £1.57billion 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.
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’
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
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
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
All aboard the Kate and Wills Express! What it’s like to travel on the ‘palace on wheels’ with fillets of sole and crème caramel – and VERY prompt drivers
Mile-for-mile, it’s the Royals’ most expensive form of transport, with accounts in September showing that it made only three outings in 2019-20. Queen Elizabeth is pictured on board the train in 1964, with Prince Edward on her lap and Prince Andrew sitting opposite
By Emily Andrews Royal Editor for the Mail on Sunday
Travelling on the Royal Train is considered a significant honour afforded by the Queen.
Permission to travel on the nine-carriage train has to be granted by the Queen. She is the train’s prime passenger, using it to travel overnight to engagements in the north of England, Scotland or Wales.
The idea dates from 1842. Prince Albert persuaded a 23-year-old Queen Victoria to become the first Royal to travel by rail when she took a train from Slough, then the closest station to Windsor Castle, to London Paddington.
Victoria saw travelling the country as her duty and thus a Royal Train was designed to look like a palace on wheels, with the carriages decorated in 23-carat gold paint and decked out in silks and satins.
Electric lights were added in the 1890s, as well as an on-board toilet, which Victoria refused to use, preferring to have the train stop for bathroom breaks every few hours.
In 1977, 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 – replacing the 1941 vehicles used by George VI.
The locomotives haul freight when not on Royal duty. William and Kate will sleep in single beds during their two nights aboard, and dine in a 12-seater supper car with a Formica table – a far cry from the grandeur of the Victorian era.
In the past, the Royal Train menu has comprised chilled minted pea soup, fillets of sole and crème caramel.
There are no showers in the suite, only a bath with a marker line to stop it being over-filled. Staff include a steward and footmen, while Kate’s hairdresser will also travel with them on this journey.
When the carriages are off-duty, as they are for much of the year, the train is kept in a siding at a secret location to ensure security.
Mile-for-mile, it’s the Royals’ most expensive form of transport, with accounts in September showing that it made only three outings in 2019-20.
Two of these were for Prince Charles, who ran up a £20,822 bill for a return journey from Kemble, near his Gloucestershire home, to Carlisle. At the time, a Palace aide said the train provided effective and efficient transport and reduced security costs.
It was once suggested that Charles had secreted the then Lady Diana Spencer on board for a night-time tryst in sidings in Wiltshire. The story was untrue and Diana said: ‘I’ve never been near the train, let alone in the middle of the night!’
The most prestigious job in British railways is that of Royal driver. Among their tasks is to stop the train door perfectly in line with the red carpet on the platform. Drivers also pride themselves on getting to any destination within 15 seconds of the given arrival time.
When Her Majesty invited Meghan Markle to join her on an overnight journey less than a month after her marriage to Prince Harry, it was a way of publicly welcoming her into the Royal Family.
While the train is used primarily as a means of travel, there is also room to catch up on work, as Queen Elizabeth demonstrates, above, during a journey in 2002
Doodle Boy: Schoolboy whose classroom boredom sparked an international book deal
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 put his work 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.
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.
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.’
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
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.
