Royal Train to Be Decommissioned as Charles III Looks Ahead
LONDON — The Royal Train, an iconic symbol of royal travel since the days of Queen Victoria, will soon make its final journey. King Charles III has decided to retire the train, citing high operational costs and the need for significant upgrades to meet modern rail standards. Buckingham Palace announced this decision recently.
James Chalmers, who oversees the king’s financial matters, expressed that it is crucial to not be tied to the past. He emphasized the need for the royal household to modernize and be wise in how it allocates its funds.
The Royal Train consists of nine specially designed railcars that can be attached to regular locomotives. It has been in service since 1869, when Queen Victoria first commissioned special coaches for her travels. The train will be officially retired before the current maintenance contract expires in 2027, marking the end of a long-standing tradition.
In a related update, the royal family is set to receive public funding of £86.3 million ($118 million) for the fourth consecutive year, which includes £34.5 million earmarked for refurbishing Buckingham Palace through March 2026. This funding comes from the Sovereign Grant, which allocates 12% of the net income from the Crown Estate to support official royal duties.
The Crown Estate consists of various properties managed on behalf of the monarch, with the monarch unable to sell or alter these assets without parliamentary approval. This arrangement has roots in Britain’s historical governance dating back to King George III, who gave management of these lands to Parliament in exchange for a fixed income.
Discussions around royal finances continue, with King Charles III vowing to streamline the monarchy and cut costs to ensure its future. Despite the Sovereign Grant remaining the same for four years, Buckingham Palace noted that inflation has impacted its value, suggesting it should have been around £106 million if adjusted for inflation.
Additional income generated from properties outside the Crown Estate added £21.5 million ($29.5 million), rising due to a record number of visitors to Buckingham Palace.
Experts suggest that royal funding is modest when compared to the broader financial framework of the British government, providing unique benefits that enhance Britain’s global presence. Craig Prescott, a constitutional law expert, highlighted the significance of royal events like Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral and recent state visits, which foster international connections.
In the past year, King Charles traveled to Australia and participated in key meetings as the leader of the Commonwealth. The royal family also commemorated significant anniversaries related to World War II and hosted state visits from leaders of Japan and Qatar. Overall, the royal family made an impressive 1,900 public appearances, with thousands attending events held at royal estates.
