It's All Aboard the Royal Train as the Cambridges Begin UK Mini-Tour

It was all aboard the Royal Train when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge commenced their mini-tour of the UK "ahead of the Christmas holidays to pay tribute to the incredible work of individuals and organisations that have gone above and beyond in response to the coronavirus pandemic". The couple were photographed setting off from London Euston tonight.

Over the next two days, the Duke and Duchess will make stops in England, Scotland and Wales in line with government guidance. They will travel 1,250 miles and undertake working visits, meeting frontline workers, volunteers, care home staff, teachers, schoolchildren and young people to hear about their experiences, sacrifices and the inspiring work they have done throughout this challenging year. The itinerary was organised to showcase the UK's arts, heritage and live performance sector, which has been affected terribly. The government has announced a  £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help alleviate the pressure on the industry and to help ensure doors can be safely reopened.

A key focus for the trip is expressing gratitude, with the Palace noting, "Their Royal Highnesses will also pass on the nation’s sincere thanks for all of their efforts to keep people safe and keep the country going. Many of the engagements undertaken by Their Royal Highnesses 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."

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."

VIDEO: William and Kate board the Royal Train at London’s Euston station at the start of their two day “thank you key workers” tour of Scotland, England and Wales 🚂
More here: https://t.co/R4FVUh1eGx pic.twitter.com/rtBGehiK3K

— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) December 6, 2020

The one and only Shakin' Stevens performed at the station tonight. I could just hear 'Merry Christmas Everyone' as I looked at the photos.

 The Mirror reports:

'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. 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!” Asked how he felt when he got the call asking him to perform for the couple as they kicked off their UK tour at Euston station, he added: “Absolutely hanging from the moon.”

Before climbing aboard for their first journey on the royal train, they spent time chatting to staff from Transport for London, Network Rail and train operating companies about their experiences of working throughout the pandemic.

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.”

A royal source told The Sunday Times the trip was William and Kate's idea. "If ever there was a moment to bring people together in spirit and try to tell an uplifting story about the pandemic, it's now."

Ten-year-old British artist Joe Whale was commissioned to create the artwork for the trip. The immensely talented ten-year-old from Shrewsbury boy created this doodle "to being the journey to life". 

Joe also created this amazing doodle from the itinerary. On his creativity he says, "I have loved art since I was about 4 years old but I started drawing in a doodle/cartoon style when I was about 6 and absolutely love it. When I doodle it makes me feel like the most happy person in the world because I can express myself fully as there is no right or wrong in art. I get my inspiration from my surroundings and that means I can create endless characters and in my head I can see them all come to life - this really makes me really happy and smile."

Joe's website The Doodle Boy can be viewed here.

The nine-carriage Royal Train has been used since 1842.

The current rolling stock dates from 1977 to 1987. 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. I find royal history fascinating, and was thrilled to stumble upon this photo of the train in Paris in 1855. The Royal Collection Trust shared the image as part of an album of prints presented to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as a memento of their state visit to France from 18-27 August 1855.

The locomotives that power the train are capable of speeds up to 125 mph, but when they are on royal duty are restricted to 100 mph. It is Her Majesty's preferred mode of transport. She finds it much more comfortable to travel overnight on the train rather than departing in the early hours by car or helicopter.

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The train has made the headlines on several occasions for myriad reasons. In 1883, the government received information an attempt on Queen Victoria's life would be made during a journey to Ballater. The report was never corroborated, but Home Secretary William Harcourt swiftly ensured additional protection for the monarch. In 1898, David Fenwick, an engine driver was killed whilst driving from Aberdeen when he came upon a problem with the communication cord and subsequently lost his life after an impact with a bridge. In 1981, Charles and Diana were travelling on the train to Aberdeen when a tyre was lost from one of the tender wheels. Most recently in 2000, a Royal Protection Officer accidentally discharged his pistol when the Queen and Prince Philip were on board sleeping during a trip to Wales. The story goes the bullet hole can still be seen in the staff dining car.

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The Daily Mail reports the following on interiors:

'Her Majesty's personal saloon is 75ft long and fitted with secondary air suspension giving passengers an exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride. It has a bedroom, decorated in light pastel shades, with a 3ft-wide single bed in one corner (there are no double beds on the Royal Train) made up with cotton sheets and woollen blankets. 

While Prince Philip's pillows are plain, the Queen's are trimmed with lace, with a small Royal cipher in one corner. The ceiling has subdued strip lighting and there are several reading lamps near the bed. The adjoining bathroom has a full-size bath, but the fittings are modest and functional. The train operators make sure the carriages are not crossing any bumpy points just after 7.30am: that could make the water slop around when the Queen is taking her bath. The train's speed is always lower than the normal maximum for any route.

The sitting room has a sofa with hand-stitched velvet cushions, armchairs and the small dining table where the Queen and Prince Philip have breakfast. The table can be extended to seat six people. There is also a desk in one corner where Her Majesty works on her official papers.'

It is understood to be Kate's first time using the royal train; William has used it on several occasions over the years.

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The Times reports the train now runs on used cooking oil.

'The royal train is said to be the Queen's favourite mode of transport and enables royal to travel securely overnight. But it is not cheap. In 2019 it was used only four times by the Queen and the Prince of Wales for engagements, at a total cost to the taxpayer of £84, 797.

The train, which has a large selection of films to watch as well as games such as Monopoly and Cribbage, may not be coast effective, but it boasts green credentials. In 2010, at Charles' request, it was converted to run on used cooking oil.'

The Duchess sported her green military-style coat by Alexander McQueen.

Kate previously wore the piece for a day of engagements in Bradford in January. On the day, it was styled with Gianvito Rossi Piper pumps, an Aspinal of London Midi Mayfair bag and Zeen earrings.

Kate's scarf is a familiar piece from the Canada tour - the Maple Leaf Tartan Scarf by York Scarves. It's available on Etsy for £15. Described as, "Woven in a deep classic twill weave from 100% pure cotton these large Pashmina scarves have a depth and softness to the fabric which is comfortable and looks just great."

Below, the Duchess carrying the scarf in Whitehorse, Canada in 2016.

Kate's choice of scarf was immediately recognisable for fellow blogger Carly from Kate Middleton Style. I can remember the day the piece was identified by Carly's mum. She was very surprised to discover it was in fact from a local company located very close to her home. Carly is hugely talented - one of the first people to welcome me to the royal blogging community almost a decade ago. Click here to view her site.

The Duchess carried her Grace Han Love Letter Small Top Handle Bag. The £1,595 piece is described as "a perfect companion with its elegance and classic shape. Its distinctive envelope closure is an ode to Love Letters of the past, present and future". The London-based brand was launched last year.

And wore a face mask by Amaia Kids (with thanks to UFO No More).

Kate completed the look with unidentified pearl earrings and her Ralph Lauren black boots.

I'll see you tomorrow for a busy day and leave you with the Shakin' Stevens classic :)