Kate Middleton and Prince William begin three-day UK train tour
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Nicola Sturgeon tried to keep Kate and William out of Scotland: SNP leader warned Royals that visit to Edinburgh may breach travel ban – as Scottish scientists urge POLICE to investigate couple’s UK tour to thank frontline workers
- Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, both 38, have started their three-day royal train tour across the UK today
- But First Minister Nicola Sturgeon took a snipe at the couple as she made clear the trip breached travel rules
- Prince William and Kate Middleton will pay tribute to Covid-19 frontline workers ahead of Christmas holidays
- Their Royal Highnesses are travelling on the Royal Train, making stops in England, Scotland and Wales
- Couple arrived in Edinburgh this morning to sounds of a piper playing Christmas songs including Jingle Bells
- Pair visited frontline workers at an ambulance station before arranging for schoolchildren to meet reindeer
Nicola Sturgeon launched an incendiary attack on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge today as she revealed the Royals were warned about the cross-border Covid travel ban ahead of their whistle-stop tour.
The Scottish leader said she had told the Palace it would be breaking stringent Covid restrictions if Prince William and Kate Middleton travelled north of the border for their morale boosting tour.
At a daily briefing today, the First Minister took a snipe at the couple as she made clear the trip breached travel rules.
She said the Scottish Government ‘made sure that the Royal Household were aware’ of Scotland’s restrictions.
Crossing the Scottish border was made illegal from the end of November and anyone caught entering or leaving Scotland without a reasonable excuse could be slapped with a £60 fine.
But the Royals seemingly defied the warning as they arrived in Edinburgh this morning to the sound of bagpipes serenading them with Christmas songs before meeting workers at a Scottish Ambulance Service hub.
The pair are attempting to spread festive cheer to frontline workers ahead of the Christmas holidays on their 48-hour train tour.
But in a withering riposte Ms Sturgeon seemed less than impressed as she said: ‘The Scottish Government was advised about the intention to visit, and we made sure that the Royal Household were aware, as you would expect, of the restrictions in place in Scotland so that could inform both the decision and the planning of the visit.’
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took some festive cheer with them on their royal train tour of the country, as they met delighted youngsters at the Holy Trinity Church of England First School in Berwick-upon-Tweed
Scottish leader Nicolas Sturgeon (pictured during a visit to Western General Hospital in Edinburgh today), said she had told the Palace it would be breaking stringent Covid restrictions if Prince William and Kate Middleton travelled north of the border for their morale boosting tour
William was chipped at the Holy Trinity First School in Berwick-upon-Tweed where Kensington Palace had arranged for Rent a Reindeer
The Duke and Duchess shared a laugh and a joke as they left Holy Trinity Church of England First School in Berwick-upon-Tweed
This afternoon, the Duke and Duchess met volunteers who have supported elderly members of their local community throughout the pandemic at Batley Community Centre in West Yorkshire
The royal couple are spending the next couple of days paying tribute in person to the work of individuals and organisations that have gone above and beyond in response to the Covid crisis. Their first visit was to the Scottish Ambulance Service response centre in Newbridge
A delighted Kate waved to fans outside Berwick-upon-Tweed Station on the first day of their royal tour
After travelling overnight from London Euston, the duke was the first to step out of the Royal Claret-coloured carriages, followed by Kate in a Liberty print face covering, with a matching blue coat
Keep cozy like Kate in a blue coat by Catherine Walker
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived in Edinburgh this morning on the first stop of their three-day UK tour.
As ever, we were intrigued to know what Kate would choose to wear on this chilly winter day, and it comes as no surprise that she opted for a coat by Catherine Walker & Co, one of her favorite labels.
It’s one we’ve seen a couple of times before (pictured right, in Norway back in 2018), and we love the chic shade of blue, as well as the elegant funnel neckline.
Unfortunately for us, it’s a bespoke coat so it isn’t available to buy, but click (right) to see more from the designer.
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The Duchess of Cambridge last night penned a note of thanks on boards at Euston Station in London
William wished transport workers a Merry Christmas as he thanked them for their service throughout the pandemic
The duchess donned a Liberty print face covering and matching woolen blue coat while William was wearing a navy coat and matching mask and a tartan scarf
William and Kate left Euston Station on board the Royal Train (pictured) last night for the first of nine stops on their whirlwind 48 hour, 1,250-mile tour across England, Scotland and Wales
The royal couple are paying tribute in person to the individuals and organisations that have gone above and beyond in response to the Covid crisis.
Ms Sturgeon told today’s briefing: ‘The Royal visit is a matter for the Royal household and the arrangements around it, and any questions about those arrangements, should be directed to the Royal household.
‘The Scottish Government was advised about the intention to visit, and we made sure that the Royal Household were aware, as you would expect, of the restrictions in place in Scotland so that could inform both the decision and the planning of the visit.
‘Any more questions on that should be directed to the Royal household.’
The Earl and Countess of Strathearn, as they are titled while carrying out official engagements in Scotland, arrived at Edinburgh Waverley after spending the night in the Royal train.
Among the party waiting to greet them was the Lord Provost of Edinburgh’s official piper, Louise Marshall, who piped the Royal couple through the concourse playing a medley of Christmas hits on the pipes.
The Royal couple’s first engagement of the whistle-stop tour of the UK was to staff at one of the Scottish Ambulance Service’s nerve centres at Newbridge, outside Edinburgh.
William, dressed in a dark blue coat and tartan scarf, and Kate, wearing a blue Catherine Walker coat and carrying a bag by Scottish designer Strathberry, thanked staff for their incredible efforts in coping with their demanding jobs while many were affected by personal Covid tragedies.
They chatted with staff and heard deeply moving accounts of how many of them have been affected personally during the crisis, while continuing to provide vital first response cover across the country.
During their visit, it was announced that the Royal couple would become joint patrons of NHS Charities Together, the charity which has worked tirelessly to provide hospitals and emergency workers with vital PPE equipment.
The SAS received funding from NHS Charities Together, a group of 240 NHS charities, which has been spent on indoor and outdoor wellbeing spaces for staff, as well as wellbeing packs with information booklets and reusable water bottles.
Prince William spoke at length with some of the paramedics about how the additional strains of working under the threat of Covid had impacted on their mental wellbeing.
He and Kate also heard from paramedic Alistair Matson, 54, had to cope with his father falling sick and later dying in hospital during the pandemic. Mr Matson said: ‘It was very emotional talking to the Prince about losing my father.
‘He was very anxious to hear how we managed to cope with the mental strains of our job.
‘I was helped considerably by the great sense of cameraderie at my work. There was never any rush to come back and they have been like another family to me.
‘It was really heartening to see the Royal couple here today acknowledging what we do and their thanks means a lot to us.’
His colleague, John Kane, 59, told the Royal couple how he spent three weeks in an induced coma in Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital after contracting the virus.
‘I had to be placed on a ventilator for three weeks and placed in an induced coma.
‘It was a terrifying time and the recovery has been slow, but again the SAS has helped that. The Prince was particularly interested in how we manage the mental wellbeing of our own staff.’
It also emerged during their visit that the couple had sent a special bouquet of flowers to the family of a veteran paramedic, who died last month after he re-enlisted in April four years after his retirement.
Rod Moore, from Falkirk, died aged 63 after contracting coronavirus. His funeral was due to take place during the royal visit.
An SAS spokesman said: ‘I know that Rod’s family greatly appreciated the flowers sent on behalf of the Royal Family. It was a lovely gesture.’
The couple also made a particular point of thanking the cleaning staff at the unit, telling cleaner Ellen Reeder, 65, that she was ‘one of the most important people in the whole organisation, keeping everything together.’
Afterwards, Ms Reeder, 65, said: ‘It was such an honour for me to meet them. They kept it secret until this morning, which is just as well or I would have got tongue-tied speaking to them.
‘That has really made my day. In fact, I think it has made everyone’s day here to get that appreciation from the Royals.. I am a huge fan.’
There was a fun twist at lunchtime at the Holy Trinity First School in Berwick-upon-Tweed where, as a treat for the children, Kensington Palace arranged for Rent a Reindeer to bring three animals – Chaz, Crackers and her six-month-old calf Echols – to the school.
Kate and William also thanked teachers for their efforts to support learning during in recent months.
Local saxophone group The Earl Grey Saxes played Christmas tunes, including Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, as the school’s 175 pupils waved and sang as the royal couple arrived.
Some wore antlers on their heads and some were in Santa hats for the visit.
William and Kate sanitised their hands as they entered the school grounds, a short drive from the Berwick railway station.
After the visit, headteacher Nicholas Shaw said: ‘It has been fantastic and the children loved it.
‘We feel honoured to have been chosen and appreciate they are taking the time to think about teachers and the work that has been going on in schools.
‘It has been a challenge during lockdown, a lot of new skills have been learned. We stayed open throughout for children of key workers and vulnerable children.’
Rent a Reindeer owner George Richardson brought Chaz, Crackers and Echols for the visit, and told William and Kate about caring for them and how coronavirus had affected his business.
Mr Richardson, who is based in Cold Hesledon, County Durham, said the booking by the palace had been ‘top secret’.
He said: ‘We got a phone call out of the blue two weeks ago, they asked us to bring a reindeer for the royal visit and we were happy to oblige.
‘We brought these three as a group, although Chaz is not the dad … he is the uncle. Mum and baby go with him and they are a nice group.
‘This was baby’s first outing and she took it in her stride.’
William and Kate left Euston Station on board the Royal Train last night for the first of nine stops on their whirlwind 48 hour, 1,250-mile tour across England, Scotland and Wales.
Before they left London, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, both 38, penned a personal message of thanks for transport workers on a London Underground service information board.
The message read: ‘Thank you to all transport workers everywhere for keeping the country moving throughout this difficult year. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! Catherine. William’
It was a royal departure like no other and even featured a special performance from 80s pop star Shakin’ Stevens who performed his perennial festive favourite, ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ for transport workers at the station.
As local saxophone group The Earl Grey Saxes played Christmas tunes, including Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, William and Kate chatted to pupils and teachers in the playground
The Duchess of Cambridge met youngsters who wore antlers and Santa hats for her visit to their school
As a treat for the Berwick school’s 175 pupils, Kensington Palace arranged for Rent A Reindeer to take three animals to the site
The pair put on an animated display as they left the school this afternoon, where they had treated children to a visit from some reindeer
During the first visit of their Royal Train Tour across the country, it was announced that The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will become Joint Patrons of NHS Charities Together
The duke and duchess thanked the staff for their incredible efforts during the coronavirus pandemic. The visit coincided with the announcement that William and Kate have become joint patrons of NHS Charities Together
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will meet the Queen for a heart-warming family engagement at the end of a nationwide ‘Christmas Express’ tour on the royal train, starting today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge surprised primary school children with a Christmas treat of a reindeer visit
William and Kate went to Holy Trinity First School in Berwick-upon-Tweed, where they thanked teachers for their efforts to support learning during the coronavirus crisis
The duke and duchess heard from the teachers about how they had adapted their operations to provide online learning during lockdown, and put in place measures to allow pupils to safely return to school
Under rainy skies and in a chilly northerly wind, the school’s 175 pupils – some wearing antlers and some in Santa hats – waved and sang as William and Kate arrived
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with headteacher Nicholas Shaw and deputy head Jill Jeffrey
Kensington Palace posted this image of the pair on its Instagram account, using the hashtag ‘Royal Train Tour’
The first official engagement of the day was to meet with frontline workers from the Scottish Ambulance Service in Newbridge, Edinburgh
William donned a tartan scarf for the occasion while Kate wore a floral face mask at Waverley station this morning
The Duchess paired her blue coat and mask with long black velvet boots, leather gloves and a smart black clutch
The couple stopped to chat with ambulance workers in Edinburgh, who have worked throughout the pandemic
They pulled into Edinburgh Waverley station to the sounds of a piper playing Christmas songs including Jingle Bells and Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
The second stop of the day was a lunchtime visit to A school in Berwick-upon-Tweed
The pair listened intently to first responders at the ambulance service first thing this morning
Details of the engagements have been kept secret until the couple’s arrival so as not to encourage crowds
The couple removed their masks as they stepped out of Berwick-upon-Tweed Station
The duke and duchess received a rock and roll send-off on Sunday when Shakin’ Stevens serenaded them before they boarded the royal train.
The singer, known for a string of hits in the 1980s, sang his festive smash-hit single Merry Christmas Everyone for the couple and a group of transport workers.
The track topped the charts during Christmas 1985 and was picked by William and Kate as the song they wanted to hear.
The Duchess, wearing an Alexander McQueen coat and tartan scarf, tapped her foot and swayed to the music as they waved to passengers from a balcony.
Stevens, 72, said he was ‘over the moon’ to be playing for the Duke and Duchess, revealing that it was the first time he had played for royalty in his long career.
‘I’m loving it, it was lovely to be invited,’ he said. ‘And it was them who chose the song. Over the moon.’
Stevens said the Cambridges were ‘certainly fans’ of his festive hit, adding: ‘They picked it!’
Before climbing aboard the royal train, the couple took time out to meet transport workers at the station to hear about their experiences of working throughout the pandemic.
William told Orson Parris, a network traffic controller for Transport for London: ‘Fingers crossed 2021 gets things back to normal.’
And the Duke told Alero Abbey, TfL area manager for Green Park and Euston: ‘It’s moments like this when people really appreciate what you do every day. Suddenly we all know what you do and that you do a really good job.’
Network Rail staff altered the departure boards for the occasion, changing Wolverhampton to Warmerhampton, Coventry to Coventry Carol and Northampton to Northpolehamton.
William and Kate were keen to personally pass on their thanks to Transport for London, Network Rail and train operating companies for everything they have done to keep the capital running throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The trip has been organised so the couple can thank frontline workers, volunteers, care home staff, teachers, schoolchildren and young people and hear about their experiences and sacrifices, as well as the inspirational work they have done throughout this life-changing year.
A source said: ‘Their Royal Highnesses want to pass on the nation’s sincere thanks and gratitude for all of their efforts to keep people safe and keep the country going.’
It is believed the trip is Kate’s first official journey by royal train, despite having been a member of the monarchy for almost a decade, while the duke has used it a number of times.
Details of the engagements have been kept secret until the couple’s arrival so as not to encourage crowds.
The pair stepped out of the Royal Claret-coloured carriages to cheerful festive tunes
William looked dapper in his navy coat and brown desert boots, accessorized with a tartan scarf in homage to Scotland while Kate was typically chic in her royal blue coat and velvet boots
Despite travelling on a train throughout the night, Kate’s hair was impeccable as she arrived in Edinburgh this morning
William and Kate met the ambulance staff in Newbridge, near Edinburgh, during their first engagement after they set off on their 1,250-mile morale-boosting festive trip on the royal train
The couple wrapped up in woolen coats as they arrived in chilly Edinburgh this morning
William put an arm around his wife as they walked into the ambulance station in Newbridge near Edinburgh
The pair chatted animatedly to frontline workers, as it was announced they had become patrons of the service
Kensington Palace said William and Kate’s visit on Monday had added poignancy as it falls on the day the Scottish Ambulance Service remembers a colleague lost to Covid-19
William and Kate carried out their first official engagement after setting off on the tour, meeting frontline workers from the Scottish Ambulance Service in Newbridge, Edinburgh
The duchess, in a Liberty print face covering, was dressed in a smart blue coat and black gloves, while William was wearing a navy coat and a tartan scarf
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge waved to onlookers as they arrive by train at Edinburgh Waverley Station
It is believed the trip is Kate’s first official journey by royal train, despite having been a member of the monarchy for almost a decade, while the duke has used it a number of times
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were pictured in the capital after arriving in Scotland early this morning
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they arrived at at Edinburgh Waverley Station early this morning
They were welcomed to the city on the platform and chatted briefly, before thanking the piper and leaving the station to make their way to their first engagement
The couple travelled overnight after setting off on Sunday evening from London’s Euston station on the 1,250-mile, three-day tour
Their Royal Highnesses are travelling on the Royal Train (pictured) between Sunday and Tuesday, making stops in England, Scotland and Wales in line with government guidance
But a series of ‘fun’ surprises have been organised at each of the couple’s stops as they 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 couple also plan to showcase the UK’s arts, heritage and live performance sector, which have been decimated by Covid and the resulting lockdowns.
There will be a number of festive performances across the three days by local artists, and visits to highlight the work done by the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.
The mini tour will end with the William and Kate meeting with the Queen, Charles and Camilla for a rare photo call together. The retired Prince Philip, 99, will not be present.
One of the highlights of the trip will be the couple’s arrival at each stop on the Queen’s distinctive burgundy-liveried Royal Train.
William and Kate left Euston Station on board the Royal Train last night for the first of nine stops on their whirlwind 48 hour, 1,250-mile tour across England, Scotland and Wales first thing in the morning
The couple were serenaded by 80s pop star Shakin’ Stevens, 72, as they boarded the royal train for their first UK tour with a very festive send-off. The singer said he was ‘over the moon’ to have his first ever performance to royalty
The Duchess, wearing an Alexander McQueen coat and tartan scarf, tapped her foot and swayed to the music as they waved to passengers from a balcony
Before climbing aboard the royal train, the couple took time out to meet transport workers at the station to hear about their experiences of working throughout the pandemic
A source said: ‘Their Royal Highnesses want to pass on the nation’s sincere thanks and gratitude for all of their efforts to keep people safe and keep the country going’
After enjoying a performance by Shakin’ Stevens and speaking with railway workers, the couple boarded the train on the first leg of their journey. Details of the engagements will be kept secret until the couple’s arrival so as not to encourage crowds
Stevens, 72, said he was ‘over the moon’ to be playing for the Duke and Duchess, revealing that it was the first time he had played for royalty in his long career
Before they departed, the couple took time out to meet transport workers at the station to hear about their experiences of working throughout the pandemic
Network Rail staff altered the departure boards for the occasion, changing Wolverhampton to Warmerhampton, Coventry to Coventry Carol and Northampton to Northpolehamton
Permission to travel on the nine-carriage train has to be given by the Queen personally, and she is said to be very much behind her grandson and granddaughter-in-law’s ‘wonderful’ idea
One of the highlights of the trip will be the couple’s arrival at each stop on the Queen’s distinctive burgundy-liveried Royal Train
Over the next few days, William and Kate, will travel 1,250 miles and undertake working visits meeting NHS staff, volunteers, care home staff, teachers, schoolchildren and young people to hear about their experiences, sacrifices and the work they have done throughout this challenging year.
The couple 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.
Ahead of their trip, 10-year-old British artist, Joe Whale – known as The Doodle Boy, has created an illustration to bring the journey to life.
Many of the engagements undertaken by the Cambridges 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.
Their Royal Highnesses’ visits will also showcase the UK’s arts, heritage and live performance sector, which has been 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, celebrating the inspiring work of the organisations and projects the Duke and Duchess are visiting.
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 are restricted to 100mph when on royal duty.
The Royal Train was used just five times in 2018, costing on average £22,000 a time.
The Queen, 94, used it just twice in 2018, to Chester with Meghan Markle, 39, costing £29,714, and again in March 2019 when she visited the west of England and returned to Windsor, which cost the public purse £21,230.
Prince Charles, 72, the only other senior royal permitted to use the Royal Train until now, made three trips on it.
A spokesperson 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.’
Royal guests have to make do with small single beds. There are no showers – instead there are rather dated-looking 70s-style baths with a marker line to stop them being over-filled
Although the train looks grand from the outside, its carriage are far more spartan than anyone could imagine
There is, however, a 12-steamer supper car with a Formica table
Ahead of their trip, 10-year-old British artist, Joe Whale – known as The Doodle Boy, has created an illustration to bring the journey to life
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
The Queen, 94, used the Royal Train just twice in 2018, once to Chester with Meghan Markle, 39, in June (pictured) costing £29,714
Prince William and his father Prince Charles arriving at Bangor Station on the Royal Train in 2003 for a visit to Wales in the run-up to his 21st birthday
This year the Queen and Prince Philip, who traditionally spend the festive season with close family at Sandringham in Norfolk, will spend Christmas ‘quietly’ at Windsor Castle.
It is understood they will not form a ‘bubble’ with any other family members.
It means the couple face spending Christmas Day without any of their four children for the first time since 1949, when the then Princess Elizabeth left a one-year-old Charles in the UK so she could be with Prince Philip in Malta.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are likely to spend Christmas either at Anmer Hall, in Norfolk, or at the Middleton family home in Berkshire.
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall will spend Christmas at Highgrove, in Gloucestershire, although they expect to see the Queen and Prince Philip at Windsor at some point over the festive season. Camilla will also spend time with her family.
Prince Edward, the Countess of Wessex and their children live at Bagshot Park, Surrey, while Princess Anne and her family live at Gatcombe Park, in Gloucestershire. Prince Andrew is the only one of the Queen’s four children who lives in Windsor.
The Queen won’t attend a church service on Christmas Day in order to prevent crowds gathering but is expected to worship privately in Windsor Castle’s private chapel.