Editor’s letter

It’s lovely that the Queen and the Duchess of Sussex have become firm friends so quickly. Considering Meghan had only one family member at her wedding, I guess it’s nice she suddenly has an extended clan so keen to get to know her. I think it’s fair to say Rachel from Suits has quickly become a favourite of the Queen.

But I do wonder if secretly there are a few greeneyed young royal rellies watching how magnetic Meghan is making senior family members smile. There must have been some jealous bods when it was announced she’d been invited on an overnight trip with the Queen on the royal train this week. Not even her hubby Harry, or William and Kate have had that honour!

They’re off to Chester, where lucky Meghan will accompany the Queen on official duties. It took 10 months before Kate joined Her Majesty on an official visit – and that was only to the food hall at Fortnum & Mason with Camilla in tow! There seems to be a little favouritism going on.

But it’s not Chester I’m curious about. It’s the royal train! As the daughter of a proud train spotter, I love a journey by rail – and can you imagine how posh the royal train must be inside? Velvet cushions, crisp linen sheets on the beds and silver service meals. What a way to travel!

The Queen has her own saloon that has a bedroom, bathroom and sitting room. The bathroom contains a full-size tub for Her Majesty’s morning bath. Can you imagine having a soak on a train? Brilliant! Apparently, the driver has to slow down at around 7.30am to make sure the water doesn’t splash while she’s enjoying her daily dip. I hope she has classical music blaring.

For Meghan, this trip will be a sleepover like no other!

I don’t think I’ll be invited on the royal train any time soon, but I’ve been inspired to book the kids on the awesome Auckland to Wellington Northern Explorer again next holidays. Have a great week. Chugga-chugga, chuggachugga … toot, toot!