Decision to axe Royal Train "incredibly sad for rail" says DB Cargo UK

DB Cargo UK has said the decision to axe the Royal Train is “incredibly sad” for the rail industry.

The Royal Household has decided to stop using the train “on or before March 31 2027” when the current contract with DBC expires, ending almost two centuries of dedicated vehicles for the monarch and other members of the Royal Family.

Since the 1990s the train (made up of Mk 2 and Mk 3 carriages dating back to the 1970s and 1980s) has been maintained and operated by DBC and its predecessor, EWS. Two dedicated Class 67s (67005 and 67006) are also in Royal Train livery.

The Royal Household said the decision comes after a review of the Royal Family’s travel arrangements and a commitment to “secure best value for public money”.

The Sovereign Grant Report said: “The process to decommission the Royal Train, in anticipation of the expiry of the current contract in March 2027, will commence during the year.

“This decision has been made due to: the cost associated with the storage and maintenance of the Royal Train versus the level of usage; the significant level of investment which would be required to keep the Royal Train in operation beyond 2027; and the two new helicopters providing a reliable alternative.”

The report for 2024/25 showed the train was used twice in the last financial year, both times by King Charles III.

Once was May 23-24 2024 when he travelled from Windsor-Crewe-Kemble, while the other journey was February 23-24 from Kemble-Burton on Trent-London Euston. Those journeys cost £33,147 and £44,822 respectively.

Overall travel costs (including air and rail) for the year were £4.7 million.

DBC staff at Wolverton, where the train is stabled, were told the news on Monday afternoon.

Chief Executive Andrea Rossi told DBC staff: “This is incredibly sad news, not just for DB Cargo UK which has held the Royal Charter to maintain and operate the Royal Train for more than 30 years, but for the broader rail family too.

“There is always a great sense of occasion when the Royal Train is out on the network, with many rail enthusiasts travelling vast distances and going to great lengths to capture it in all its glory.

“Similarly, our drivers take great pride in being asked to take the controls of what is arguably the most prestigious train in the UK and a piece of our national heritage.

“For now, however, it remains very much business as usual.”

DBC had its contract to operate and maintain the Royal Train renewed in March. 67005 was renamed King’s Messenger earlier this year (it was previously named Queen’s Messenger), while both it and 67006 Royal Sovereign received the new Charles III coat of arms.