King Charles took a decisive step in his reign as he puts an end to piece of history, which has stayed in the family for generations.
The monarch has been making drastic changes since he ascended to the throne in 2022, and the latest step aligns with his ambitious plans to move towards sustainability. In a new announcement, the King is said to decommission the beloved nine-carriage royal train.
In statement issued by James Chalmers, Keeper of the Privy Purse, it was revealed that in a bid to modernise the reign, the King has approved the decision to uphold the efforts of the royal household applying “fiscal discipline” in its effort to deliver “value for money”.
“The Royal Train has been part of national life for many decades, loved and cared for by all those involved. But in moving forwards, we must not be bound by the past,” James said.
“Just as so many parts of the Royal household’s work have been modernised and adapted to reflect the world of today, so too, the time has come to bid the fondest of farewells,” he continued.
“Before it finally goes out of service, it is our hope that the train will make further visits to parts of the UK, while discussions will begin on finding a long-term home where some particularly historic elements might go on public display.”
The train, which was beloved by the late Queen Elizabeth, has had only infrequent use for the past few years. King Charles used it on merely two occasions.
He went to Bentley headquarters in Crewe in May 2024 and travelled to the Midlands in February this year. However, the cost of storing, maintaining and upgrading the train was weighed up against its level of use.
The first version of the Royal train was commissioned by Queen Victoria in 1869. Edward VII ordered an entirely new version in 1902 to be “as much like the Royal yacht as possible”. Over time, the monarchs made changes and additions to the train. Now, Charles would finally be closing this chapter.
Meanwhile, King Charles and the royal family continue to travel within the UK on commercial trains, in cars, and in two newly leased helicopters which use sustainable fuel.
