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In an effort to save costs, Buckingham Palace has announced that the royal train will be decommissioned by 2027. This decision marks the end of dedicated trains for monarchs, a tradition that dates back to Queen Victoria’s reign. The move is part of an initiative to ensure value for money, with the announcement coinciding with the annual publication of royal finances.
The decision to retire the royal train was made by James Chalmers, the Keeper of the Privy Purse. Chalmers stated that while bidding farewell to the iconic train is a sentimental moment, it is necessary to move forward without being bound by past traditions. The train, which consists of nine carriages, will be taken around the UK before being removed from service, potentially being put on public display.
The royal train has been an integral part of national life for decades, with special coaches commissioned by Queen Victoria in 1869. However, recent accounts show that the train was only used twice in 2024-25, raising concerns about maintenance and storage costs. Alongside other travel expenses, such as private charter flights and scheduled flights, the total cost of royal travel amounted to £4.7 million, with the most significant expense being the King and Queen’s trip to Australia and Samoa, costing £400,000.
The annual financial report for 2024-25 revealed that the Sovereign Grant remained at £86.3 million. This grant provides public funding for the monarchy’s running costs, including travel for official duties, staffing, and maintenance of royal buildings. Funding for 2025-26 is set to increase to £132.1 million for two years to complete renovation work at Buckingham Palace. The rising costs of the Sovereign Grant, driven by the £369 million Buckingham Palace renovation project, highlight the significant financial commitment to maintaining royal residences
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