On Sunday, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge embarked on a 3 day, 2 night, 1250 mile tour on the royal train. The actual schedule is embargoed to limit crowds, so we’ll have to follow along as it unfolds. The couple is paying tribute to British citizens and organizations who have provided invaluable service in the face of the pandemic.
The countdown to the #RoyalTrainTour🚂 begins!
Starting tomorrow, The Duke and Duchess will travel across the UK – paying tribute to the inspiring work of those who have gone above and beyond to support communities during this challenging year for the nation. pic.twitter.com/xo8FUbEp8E
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) December 5, 2020
Some fun facts to tide us over until photos start coming in:
- Doodle Boy has created two pieces of art to promote the tour. Check them out here and here.
- Queen Victoria became the first royal to take a train in 1842, at the urging of Prince Albert – who was quite a fan of new-fangled engineering.
- The latest train was presented to the Queen in 1977 for her silver jubilee.
- In 2000, a royal bodyguard discharged his gun on the train while the Queen was sleeping. The bullet hole can still be seen on a table in the staff dining car .
Departure
Ah, we did get some photos of the departure from Euston Station. They thanked the transit workers for being “on duty” during the pandemic, and listened to a little Shakin’ Stevens before departing. Duchess is in the seasonal mood with her green McQueen coat and scarf.
Handbag count: 1 (Grace Han Love Letter Handle Bag).
Day Two
For the first stop of the day, the couple were in Edinburgh, with Kate in her blue Catherine Walker coat (one of my personal favorites). The train (with the Cambridges) then headed to Berwick-on-Tweed.
The couple visited Batley to meet with locals, and visited a food bank at Old Smithfield Market for their last stop of the day. Kate is in her Hobbs Bianca coat, and a lovely Brora X Troy sweater. William seems to be doing some type of scarf parade, a more meticulous blogger than me is needed to keep up with that level of detail!
Handbag count: 2 (Métier Roma shoulder bag and Strathberry Multrees chain wallet)
Day Three
For a stop in Cardiff, Wales, the Duchess goes full on Tis-the-Season. I don’t know about you, but I could use the cheer this year and I applaud this red McQueen coat (there’s also a Wickstead skirt under there, or so I am told). I am also a big fan of the half-updo. William has decided to be her sartorial shadow in dark gear ; ). Holiday on, kids!
Handbag count: Be still my heart, the Grace Han makes a reappearance.
Return to Windsor
What a lovely surprise! The Duke and Duchess returned the train to the boss, HerMaj, and the whole fam damily came out in support and to chat with volunteers from Berkshire organizations. We’ll see what kind of rundown we can do on these coats: Sophie/Sportmax Panarea Herringbone-Print, Kate/Troy London Faux Fur Collar on her Catherine Walker coat, and I *think* we have seen Camilla’s coat before, but I am coming up with blanks on the designer. We know we’ve seen Anne’s before!
Handbag count: 1, McQueen Beetle Box clutch.
For jewelry and accessory detail, Heaven at UFOnomore and Regal Fille have you covered!