US EditionRoyal train to end 156 years of service as King Charles III seeks to economize
- In late April 2024, Buckingham Palace announced the Royal Train will be decommissioned by March 2027, replaced by two new helicopters amid cost-cutting efforts.
- Following cost-versus-use concerns, the Royal Train's storage and maintenance costs outweighed its limited use, requiring significant investment before its 2027 decommissioning and reliance on two new helicopters.
- Sovereign Grant accounts show royal train journeys cost £33,147 and £44,822, with total travel expenses rising to £4.7 million, an increase of £500,000 year-on-year.
- Following the decision, the Royal Family will use two new helicopters and regular trains, with £100 million redirected to Buckingham Palace repairs, exemplifying fiscal discipline.
- After decommissioning, the Royal Train will make final UK visits, potentially go on public display, and use helicopters powered by up to 50% sustainable fuel.
80 Articles
80 Articles
After more than a century and a half, the British royal family is getting rid of its special train for cost-saving reasons.
The Royals must also save: For more than 150 years a train belonged to the fleet of the royal family. Now it is retired, but there is a replacement.
Britain's King Charles III has agreed to end the royal train, Buckingham Palace has announced. The royal train journeys, a tradition dating back to 1869, are simply too expensive. "As we move forward, we must not be bound by the past," says James Chalmers, who is responsible for financial matters at the palace. The train, which consists of nine ...
Farewell to the rails: After more than a century, the British royal house will stop the traditional royal train – for cost reasons. Instead, King Charles III will use helicopters in the future.
Royal train to be scrapped in 'cost-saving measure' - as eye-watering £44k journey revealed
The Palace announced the royal train will be retired by 2027 to save costs, as the annual royal finances report showed a two-day journey to Staffordshire cost more than £44,000.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
