Overview

• The royal household announced the nine-carriage train will be decommissioned beginning in 2026 ahead of its maintenance contract expiring in early 2027.
• Charles and senior royals will rely on two new helicopters as more cost-efficient transport alternatives.
• Keeper of the Privy Purse James Chalmers said the move demonstrates the monarchy’s fiscal discipline in delivering value for money.
• The Sovereign Grant will remain at £86.3 million for 2025–26 and rise to £132 million between 2025 and 2027 thanks to record Crown Estate profits.
• Discussions are underway to preserve key carriages for public exhibition to safeguard the train’s heritage.