The private trains of the royal family of Britain will be withdrawn from circulation as part of King Charles‘ drive to modernise the monarchy and reduce costs.

Trains were used to transport members of the royal family on Britain’s rail network as early as 1840, a few years after the railway appeared.

However, as the Guardian points out, it has become increasingly expensive to maintain and store them. 1980s rolling stock should be upgraded for modern rail networks, while two new and more fuel-efficient helicopters are suitable alternatives.

James Chalmers, the royal family’s treasurer, said a search is underway for a long-term home for the historic sections of the train.

Figures for 2024-25, published on Monday, show that the government grant to fund the official duties of the royal family will be £86.3 million, unchanged for the fourth year in a row. However, it will rise to £132 million a year between 2025 and 2027.

This is partly to take advantage of record offshore wind farm profits, which amounted to £1.1 billion in the last financial year, but also to cover the remaining £100 million costs of the final two years of the £369 million, 10-year refurbishment of Buckingham Palace.

The figures also show that royal travel costs rose by £500,000 to £4.7 million, while payroll costs also increased by £2 million to £29.9 million.