But there are also some more practical benefits, including being able to use the Royal Train rather than climbing aboard a delayed, standing-room only Northern Rail service. However, it's believed that despite being a member of the royal family for nine years, Kate is still waiting to travel on the train that dates back to Queen Victoria. Speaking to the BBC back in 2002, director of royal travel Tim Hewlett said: "There is a perception the train is a bit like the Orient Express. The wooden dining table is decorated with flowers in vases, and the table is laid for a formal meal with several courses. Nowdays the train is only used by very senior members of the royal family, normally just the Queen, Philip, Charles and Camilla.

Source: Daily Mirror December 05, 2020 08:01 UTC