King Charles has decided to decommission the Royal Train by 2027 as part of cost-cutting measures to help fund Buckingham Palace's £369 million renovation programme.
The distinctive claret-coloured locomotive, which consists of nine sleeper, dining and lounge carriages, will be retired when its maintenance contract expires in early 2027.
The decision comes as the royal household seeks to demonstrate fiscal discipline, with last year's royal accounts showing two train journeys alone cost £78,000.
Palace officials confirmed the monarch has agreed to the decommissioning, marking what they describe as the "fondest of farewells" to the historic train.
King Charles axes beloved Royal Train to help fund £369million Buckingham Palace makeover.
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Palace insiders indicated this additional funding will cover the £369million Buckingham Palace refurbishment and maintenance of other royal residences.
The royal household will transition to using two new helicopters for transportation, though Palace officials emphasised that trains and other transport modes will still be utilised.
The Royal Train was introduced for Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977 and became her preferred mode of transport throughout her reign.
The train has been pulled by one of two eco-friendly locomotives powered by biofuel made from vegetable oil waste.
Buckingham Palace is recognised worldwide as the home of the British monarch and the centrepiece of the UK's constitution.
PAAccording to newly published royal accounts, the Royal Family spent £2.7million on private jet, helicopter and rail travel last year.
The mounting costs of maintaining the train have made it increasingly difficult to justify, particularly as the royal household faces significant expenditure on palace renovations.
King Charles reportedly has fond memories of the train, which includes a carriage built for him in the mid-1980s that he still uses as monarch.
James Chalmers, Keeper of the Privy Purse, highlighted the decision as an example of the royal household exercising "fiscal discipline" in its quest to deliver "value for money".
Queen Elizabeth II aboard the Royal Train in 2002.
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King Charles exiting the Royal Train in 2005.
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"The royal train, of course, has been part of national life for many decades, loved and cared for by all those involved. But in moving forward we must not be bound by the past," Chalmers stated.
He added: "With His Majesty's support it has therefore been decided that the process to decommission the royal train will commence next year."
Before its final journey, the train is expected to make further visits to parts of the UK, whilst discussions will begin on finding a long-term home where some historic elements might go on public display.
The Sovereign Grant, which funds the Royal Family's official duties and palace maintenance, cost taxpayers £86.3million last year for the fourth consecutive year.
Record-breaking profits from offshore wind farms have boosted the Crown Estate's net profits to £1.1billion, resulting in a record Sovereign Grant of £132million for the next two years.
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