The Royal Train, a symbol of British heritage and tradition, will be officially retired by March 2027. This decision comes as part of King Charles III’s efforts to modernise the monarchy and ensure efficient use of public funds. According to the Royal Household’s financial report, senior royals will now use helicopters and regular train services for official travel across the UK.
A Historic Legacy
The Royal Train has played a prominent role in royal life since Queen Victoria’s first journey in the 1840s. Maintained in Wolverton, the world’s first railway town, the train has served as a mobile space for overnight travel and official engagements. It features claret-liveried sleeper, dining, and lounge coaches that reflect a bygone era.
Use in Decline, Costs Rising
Despite its legacy, the Royal Train has seen limited use in recent years. In 2024–25, it was used only twice, costing over $105,000. Royal officials say the declining frequency and outdated facilities contributed to the decision to decommission it.
Fond Farewell from Royal Officials
James Chalmers, Keeper of the Privy Purse, described the move as “the fondest of farewells.” He acknowledged the train’s place in national life and praised those who maintained it over the decades. However, he stressed that the monarchy must adapt and not remain bound by tradition.
Memorable Journeys Over the Years
The train has been part of major royal moments, including Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee tours in 2002 and 2012. In 2020, Prince William and Princess Kate used it for a 1,250-mile journey to thank frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Farewell Tour and Future Plans
Before its retirement, the Royal Train is likely to go on a farewell tour, giving the public one last chance to see it in operation. There has been no official word on what will happen to the train afterward. However, historians and railway experts hope it will be preserved in a museum, possibly the National Railway Museum in York or at its original home in Wolverton.
