Meghan Markle and Queen Elizabeth's Memorable Day Out
It’s hard to believe, but it hasn’t even been a month since Meghan Markle’s fairy-tale wedding, and she’s already diving headfirst into her royal duties. This past Thursday, June 14, Meghan joined her grandmother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth, for a whirlwind day of events. Together, they officially opened the Mersey Gateway Bridge in Cheshire, England, inaugurated the Storyhouse Theater in Chester, and attended a luncheon at Chester Town Hall. This marks a significant milestone for Meghan as it was her first official royal engagement without Prince Harry by her side. Talk about hitting the ground running!
A Journey on the Prestigious Royal Train
But that’s not all—Meghan and the Queen also embarked on an overnight trip aboard the 150-year-old Royal Train. Now, this isn’t just any train; it’s the only private, non-commercial train service still operating in the UK, catering exclusively to the royal family. The Queen frequently uses this train for her long-distance travels, but for Meghan, it was likely a brand-new experience. Being invited to ride on the Royal Train is no small honor—it’s a symbol of trust and inclusion within the royal fold. Imagine stepping into that iconic train and realizing you're part of a tradition that dates back to Queen Victoria’s reign!
The Queen and Meghan stepping off the Royal Train on June 14.
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The Royal Train: A Legacy of Opulence
The Royal Train has a storied history that dates back to 1842 when it was first built for Queen Victoria, who became the first monarch to travel by train. Over the years, every British king and queen has ridden this historic train, and only a select few senior royals, such as Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, have been granted access. Believe it or not, Prince William has only used the train once—during his birthday tour in 2003—and neither Prince Harry nor Kate Middleton have ever set foot on it. Talk about exclusive company!
Back in the day, the Royal Train was the epitome of luxury, offering a glamorous ride for the British royal family during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, times have changed. While the train still retains its prestige, the interior decor has become simpler and more modern. In fact, there was quite a stir in 2016 when taxpayers were spending around $1.2 million annually to maintain the train. It’s fascinating to think about how much the world—and the royal family—have evolved since Queen Victoria’s era.
