Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit the North East on board the Royal Train

Their Royal Highnesses disembarked at Berwick railway station in Northumberland and travelled the short distance to Holy Trinity First School where they met pupils and teachers.

The Royal couple paid tribute to the incredible work of teachers around the country who that have gone above and beyond in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Over three days, The Duke and Duchess are travelling 1,250 miles with stops in England, Scotland and Wales, meeting frontline workers, volunteers, care home staff, teachers, schoolchildren and young people to hear about their experiences, sacrifices and the inspiring work they have done throughout this challenging year.

They will also pass on the nation’s sincere thanks and gratitude for all of their efforts to keep people safe and keep the country going.

Many of the engagements will celebrate community spirit and demonstrate the impact of the public’s generosity this year, by showcasing organisations and initiatives that have been supported by community relief funds, including NHS Charities Together.

The visits will also showcase the UK’s arts, heritage and live performance sector, supported throughout the pandemic by the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.

There will be a number of festive performances across the three days by local artists.

Queen Victoria was the first reigning British sovereign to use the Royal Train, in June 1842. The journey was from Slough (at that time the closest train station to Windsor Castle) to London Paddington.

In the year of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee a single set of ‘Royal Train’ carriages was formed for the first time and has remained in service ever since. The locomotives that power the train are capable of speeds up to 125mph, but when they are on Royal duty are restricted to 100mph.

Ahead of the trip, 10-year-old artist, Joe Whale (https://www.thedoodleboy.com/), created a doodle to bring the journey to life.

A Kensington Palace spokesperson 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.”

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