King Charles Ends Britain Royal Train Service by 2027

King Charles has announced the royal train will be decommissioned by 2027 due to its infrequent use, high maintenance costs, and lack of cost-effectiveness, despite its historic significance dating back to Queen Victoria's era. The train, last used only twice in the prior year at a cost nearing £80,000 to £90,000 per journey, requires costly upgrades to continue operating on modern rail networks and is not environmentally sustainable compared to public trains. James Chalmers, the Keeper of the Privy Purse, emphasized the need to move forward financially and focus on more efficient and forward-looking allocations of royal funds. The monarchy’s public funding is increasing substantially, from £86.3 million to an expected £132 million over the next two years, largely due to rising revenues from the Crown Estate, which will support ongoing Buckingham Palace repairs and historic site maintenance. The royal family will instead rely on two new helicopters for travel, reflecting a modernization of royal transport. King Charles, who has fond memories of the train, supports the decision as part of broader efforts to adapt royal household operations to contemporary needs and fiscal discipline.