King Charles Retires British Royal Train After 156 Years

King Charles III has decided to retire the Royal Train, a symbol of British monarchy tradition dating back to Queen Victoria, due to its high operating and maintenance costs alongside its infrequent use. The nine-carriage train, which has been in service since 1869 and last refurbished in the mid-1980s, will be decommissioned before the current maintenance contract expires in 2027, with plans for it to tour the UK and potentially be displayed publicly. This move aligns with King Charles's broader efforts to modernize the monarchy, applying fiscal discipline and prioritizing sustainability and cost-efficiency in royal expenditures. The royal family's public funding remains at £86.3 million, covering official duties and Buckingham Palace renovations, while royal travel expenses, including helicopter and private flights, have also been reported. The decision marks the end of a historic era, as the Royal Train has been used only twice in the current financial year, making its continued operation difficult to justify. King Charles, known for his commitment to environmentally conscious practices, has favored more practical and sustainable travel alternatives, reflecting a shift towards modernizing the royal household's operations.