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The nine-carriage train it replaced, which had sleeping cars, an office, and dining areas, first started operating in 1977 for the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, but has since become more and more expensive to run. One trip to Staffordshire by King Charles in February cost £44,822 ($61,800) for just one journey, while another visit to Bentley’s headquarters last year cost more than £33,000 ($45,700).
Royal Travel Costs Spark Change
The Royal Household’s annual report said the retirement was driven by the “significant investment” required to maintain the train in service beyond 2027. The royals’ use of helicopters as a travel alternative has been growing, according to The Press and Journal.They took more than 140 flights last year with an average cost of £3,370 ($4,600) per flight, cheaper and less constrained by schedule than rail travel.
It is also expensive to keep in secure storage in Wolverton, England, hastening its demise.
Palace Finances and Public Scrutiny
The statement coincides with the publication of the Sovereign Grant Report, which found that the monarchy continues to receive funding from the UK government sitting at £86.3 million ($118.5 million) — a figure that hasn’t changed in the last three years. That money funds official royal duties, staff, and palace upkeep (but not security costs).
This will include £51.8 million for what are described as “core” royal activities and £34.5 million to pay for ongoing building work at Buckingham Palace, which is undergoing major upgrades to the electrical backbone, plumbing, and access facilities.
Calls for Reform and Transparency
Critics have long asked how much the monarchy costs. Republic, a leading anti-monarchy group, has called for the Sovereign Grant to be abolished, arguing that the profits from the Crown Estate — which has extensive property holdings and rights to the seabed — should entirely benefit the public.
Graham Smith, from campaign group Republic, denounced the system as “mad” and said it means the royal funding model grows in line with the government’s surplus from the Crown Estate – not royal need.
Modernization and "Soft Power"
Royal officials have defended the institution despite criticism. James Chalmers, the Keeper of the Privy Purse, stressed the monarchy’s place as “soft power” both at home and overseas, arguing this has now become more visible in the reign of King Charles.
The royal family, too, has promised to transition to nearly all electric-powered cars, and King Charles’ Bentleys will be converted to biofuel.
With more than 1,900 public engagements last year and nearly 93,000 guests hosted at royal functions, Buckingham Palace insists that the royal household has continued to fulfill its public and diplomatic duties — it’s just traveling with fewer carriages down the tracks.
