King Charles has decided to scrap the use of the Royal Train, a mode of transport used by the Royal Family since the reign of Queen Victoria
Following decades of service, the current train is expected to be decommissioned in 2027 when its maintenance contract runs out.
GB News understands the costs of storing the eight-carriage vehicle, and maintaining it, was set to spiral, because major upgrades were required to keep it compatible with modern national rail systems.
James Chalmers, Keeper of the Privy Purse, said the Royal Household wanted to apply “fiscal discipline” in its drive to deliver “value for money”.
King Charles has decided to scrap the Royal Train.
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His Majesty is thought to have fond memories of using the Royal Train, which includes a carriage specially made for him in the mid-1980’s.
Mr Chalmers said: “The royal train, of course, has been part of national life for many decades, loved and cared for by all those involved.
“But in moving forward we must not be bound by the past.
“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, as we seek to be disciplined and forward in our allocation of funding.
The Royal Train will be decommissioned by 2027.
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“With His Majesty’s support it has therefore been decided that the process to decommission the royal train will commence next year.”
Two new helicopters, which run on as much sustainable aviation fuel as possible, are thought to be the preferred and more efficient form of transport for members of The Royal Family.
The Prince of Wales was informed, and is said to fully support the decision to decommission the Royal Train.
Queen Elizabeth II and the late Duke of Edinburgh were very fond of the Royal Train, which was decorated and furnished to meet their needs.
The Royal Train has been a mainstay in the King’s life, as it was also treasured by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth.
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During the coronavirus pandemic, Prince William and Catherine travelled 1,250 miles on it over three days to thank key workers and communities for their efforts.
The Royal Train is expected to be used by the Royal Family ahead of its decommissioning, before discussions begin on finding a long-term home.
It is expected some of its carriages will end up on public display.
The decision comes as Buckingham Palace publishes the annual Sovereign Grant Annual Report and Accounts, a full breakdown of public money used to fund the monarchy.
The Prince and Princess of Wales toured the country in the Royal Train in 2020.
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Accounts show the Sovereign Grant remained at £86.3 million for the fourth consecutive year, but royal travel increased by £500,000 to £4.7 million.
The most expensive Royal visit was The King and Queen’s trips to Australia and Samoa in the Autumn of 2024, costing £400,535.
Staff payroll costs were up by £2 million to £29.9 million.
Not included in the Sovereign Grant report is tax payers’ money spent on funding security, local government costs associated with a royal visit, royal event policing, and military parade costs.
The Home Office does not disclose how much it costs to fund the protection of members of the Royal Family.