Sunday Mirror

The Wills-stop tour of Britain

Royal pair go on train jaunt

- PRINCE OF RAILS BY RUSSELL MYERS Royal Editor russell.myers@mirror.co.uk

WILLIAM and Kate are on track to boost our morale with a historic trip around the country.

The couple will board the Royal Train together for the first time today on a whistle-stop tour, visiting the heroes keeping the country on the rails during the pandemic.

Over three days, they will travel 1,250 miles through England, Scotland and Wales, meeting key workers to listen to their experience­s and pass on the nation’s thanks.

They’ll talk to care home staff, teachers and schoolchil­dren on a journey they began planning when the second lockdown began.

During some visits there will be live performanc­es from the UK’s arts and heritage industries, now supported by the Government’s £1.57billion Culture Recovery Fund.

It will be the first time the couple have travelled on the Royal Train together. William has used the Queen’s “favourite way to travel” before, but it is generally reserved for senior royals.

This is their way of saying thank you on behalf of the nation PALACE SOURCE ON COUPLE’S TRAIN TOUR

EXCITING

It features multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as a 12-seater dining room.

A Palace source said: “This is a hugely exciting moment for the Duke and Duchess.

“They were keen on getting out in public after the lockdown to show their appreciati­on for all the hard work and sacrifices made by frontline workers and heroes in the care home sector.

“This trip is their way of saying thank you on behalf of the nation.”

Ahead of the tour, 10-year-old British artist Joe Whale, who goes by the name The Doodle Kid, created a doodle to bring the journey to life. Joe made his name by creating a YouTube channel during the crisis to teach others how to doodle.

He was approached by the couple’s staff to create the artwork.

A Kensington Palace spokespers­on said: “The Duke and Duchess are very much looking forward to shining a spotlight on the incredible work done across the country throughout this difficult year”

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RAIL THING Below, Royal Train. Left: Joe’s doodle
FIRST CLASS Royal Train debut trip for Kate RAIL THING Below, Royal Train. Left: Joe’s doodle
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