Kate Middleton and Prince William have enjoyed their first day out aboard the Royal Train, with the royal couple arriving in Edinburgh today.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are currently on a three-day tour of the country, which they are making by using the iconic and well-loved Royal Train.
The surprise railway tour was announced on Saturday 5 December, with a post on social media from official Kensington Palace. The post revealed that Kate and Wills would be venturing across England, Scotland and Wales, to visit and pay tribute to the many inspiring individuals who have gone above and beyond this past year.
In a social media post, the palace wrote: “The countdown to the #RoyalTrainTour begins!
“Starting tomorrow, The Duke and Duchess will travel on the Royal Train across England, Scotland, and Wales – undertaking working visits to pay tribute to the inspiring work of individuals and organisations that have gone above and beyond to support communities during this incredibly challenging year for the nation.”
The post showed a fantastic piece of artwork interpreting a tour on the Royal Train by young British artist Joe Whale, AKA The Doodle Boy.
The Duke and Duchess kicked off their tour in Edinburgh this morning, after travelling overnight on the Royal Train – usually only the preserve of the late Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
In Edinburgh, the glowing couple met with frontline ambulance workers, teachers and children, before heading back on board and making their way to Berwick-Upon-Tweed in Northumberland. Here, they visited pupils and staff at a local school and brought some festive cheer.
In the freezing December weather, the Duchess wore a blue Catherine Walker coat with a funnel neck and matching blue face mask, while Prince William looked dapper in a navy blue coat and tartan scarf.
The 1,250-mile tour across the home nations started last night in London’s Euston, where Kate and Wills were treated to a special festive performance by 80s pop star Shakin’ Stevens, who sang his iconic Christmas Classic, ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ for the royals and transport workers.
Kate and Wills will call the Royal Train home for the next two days – but what’s it really like on board the train?
We deep-dived into the Royal Train to bring you all the info you need, from what it really looks like inside, to who can use it and its fascinating history….