THE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have arrived in Edinburgh as part of a royal train tour.
The royal train pulled into Edinburgh Waverley station to the sounds of a piper playing Christmas songs including Jingle Bells and Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.
Wearing face masks, William and Kate thanked the piper before leaving the station.
The royals are travelling across the country by royal train to thank communities, outstanding individuals and key workers for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite the East Coast Mainline being a popular route from London to Edinburgh, it is not known if the couple passed through the North-East on the journey to Scotland.
They boarded the service on Sunday and travel 1,250 miles over the three-day tour, meeting care home staff, teachers, schoolchildren and volunteers to learn about the challenges they faced and their inspiring stories.
It is thought the tour is the duchess’ first official journey by the royal train despite having been a member of the monarchy for almost a decade, while the duke has used it a number of times.
A spokeswoman for Kensington Palace said: “The duke and duchess are very much looking forward to shining a spotlight on the incredible work that has been done across the country throughout this difficult year and to sharing their gratitude on behalf of the nation for all those supporting their local communities ahead of the Christmas holidays.”
Kate chats to children on board the Belmond British Pullman train during a Charities Forum event (Jonathan Brady/PA)
The planned train trip has already been immortalised in a stylised drawing by schoolboy artist Joe Whale, better known as the Doodle Boy, who has found worldwide fame with his creative efforts.
The youngster, who was approached by the Cambridges’ office to create the artwork, launched a YouTube channel during the coronavirus pandemic to teach others how to doodle.
Queen Victoria was the first monarch to travel by train, leaving at midday on June 13 1842 from Slough and travelling to London’s Paddington Station.
Victoria had been persuaded on board by Prince Albert, a veteran of rail travel who was fascinated by the new technology.
The Queen and the Duchess of Sussex arrive by royal train at Runcorn Station to carry out engagements in Cheshire (Peter Byrne/PA)
And since the Victorian era, the royal family have enjoyed their own dedicated train, with the present royal carriages coming into service for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977.
The Queen and the Prince of Wales have their own private carriages, with the head of state’s featuring a bedroom with a single bed, sitting room, desk for working on the go, dining quarters – and a bathroom complete with a full-sized bath.
William has travelled on the service a number of times, notably on the day of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales’ funeral in 1997, when he joined his father, brother and the Spencer family on the journey to the princess’s ancestral home Althorp for her burial.
In 2003, he journeyed overnight on the train to Bangor with the Prince of Wales to carry out a day of engagements in North Wales ahead of his 21st birthday.
It is not known if the Cambridges will travel with their entourage of private secretaries, press team and other members of their household.
The Prince of Wales helps the Duchess of Cornwall board a train during a visit to Llandovery Railway Station to mark the 150th anniversary of the Heart of Wales railway line (Andrew Matthews/PA)
Kensington Palace said the three-day tour, which ends on Tuesday, will make stops in England, Scotland and Wales in line with Government coronavirus guidance.
During the official visits, the duke and duchess will pass on the nation’s gratitude to the groups they meet for their efforts keeping people safe, or the country going.
Many of the official events will celebrate community spirit and the impact of the public’s generosity by showcasing organisations and initiatives supported by community relief funds, including NHS Charities Together.
The UK’s arts, heritage and live performance sector, which has been supported by the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, will also be highlighted.
There will be a number of festive performances across the three days by local artists, celebrating the inspiring work of organisations and projects the duke and duchess will visit.
The couple received a rock and roll send-off for the tour by royal train when Shakin’ Stevens performed.
READ MORE: A white Christmas in the North-East? What The Met Office and bookies are saying
Before William and Kate boarded the service, the singer, known for a string of hits in the 1980s, sang his festive smash-hit single Merry Christmas Everyone for the couple and a group of transport workers.
The track topped the charts during Christmas 1985 and was picked by the royal couple as the song they wanted to hear and during the performance the duchess tapped her foot and swayed to the music.
The duke and duchess are expected to meet the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall at their final stop.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here