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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will board the royal train on Sunday as they embark on a three-day tour spanning 1,250 miles. The royal couple will meet with dozens of individuals and key workers to thank them for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.
Kate and William will meet a whole host of key workers, including care home staff, teachers, schoolchildren and volunteers, to learn about inspiring stories.
They hope to highlight the important work carried out across the country this year and thank ordinary people for keeping people safe and steering the country through the pandemic.
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.”
The couple will visit areas in England, Scotland and Wales and travel on the legendary royal train.
Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, will begin a surprise royal tour tomorrow (Image: Getty)
Kate and Prince William will meet a whole host of key workers, including care home staff, teachers, schoolchildren and volunteers, to learn about inspiring stories (Image: Getty)
Kensington Palace said the visits will take place in accordance with Government coronavirus guidance.
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 by highlighted.
As the trip is taking place ahead of the Christmas holidays, a number of festive performances are due to take place.
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It is thought to be the first time Kate will have boarded the royal train (Image: Getty)
The royal trip has been marked with a drawing by schoolboy artist Joe Whale, nicknamed the Doodle Boy.
The young artist, 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.
It is thought to be the first time Kate will have boarded the royal train, despite being a member of the Royal Family for almost a decade.
Prince William, on the other hand, has used the train multiple times, most notably when he travelled on the day of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales’ funeral on September 6, 1997.
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Meghan Markle has also travelled on the royal train, having been invited by the Queen in 2018 (Image: Getty)
The Duke was joined by his brother, Prince Harry, his father, Prince Charles, and the Spencer family as they travelled to the Althorp Estate in Northampton, Diana’s ancestral home, for her burial.
In 2003, William 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.
Meghan Markle has also travelled on the royal train, having been invited by the Queen to join her for an engagement in Chester in 2018.
Queen Victoria was the first monarch to travel by train on June 13, 1942.
British line to the throne (Image: Express)
Royal historian Kate Williams said the train was “vitally important to Victoria’s reign” and helped normalise royal visits across the country.
She said: “She saw traveling the country as her duty, whereas monarchs didn’t necessarily think that before.
“They were quite happy to sit in their palaces and not really go touring.
“Victoria has a completely different attitude, in which she feels very strongly that it’s her job to go traveling around as much of Britain as she can, so the Royal Train makes it easier for her.”
The present royal carriages came into service for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977.
