All aboard the Palace of Holyroodhouse: TransPennine Express names train in honour of King Charles’ coronation
TransPennine Express (TPE) has named a Nova 1 train the ‘Palace of Holyroodhouse’ in honour King Charles III, ahead of his much-anticipated coronation.
The regally-named train – a Class 802 – was unveiled at Edinburgh Waverley Station, just a stone’s throw away from the 16th century palace, and set off on its inaugural journey to the sound of the Border Piper, Sandy Mutch.
Clad in full highland dress, the Border Piper serenaded Palace of Holyroodhouse with ‘The Badge of Scotland’ as it started its maiden journey with a new moniker.
Matthew Golton, Managing Director for TPE, said: “We are thrilled to be able to celebrate our new King by naming one of our Nova 1 trains in His Majesty’s honour.
“We wanted to pay homage to the extensive royal history that Scotland has to offer, and it seemed only fitting to name one of our trains after King Charles’ III official residence in Edinburgh – the Palace of Holyroodhouse.”
The late Queen Elizabeth II spent one week in residence at Holyroodhouse at the beginning of each summer and before her passing last year, Her Majesty gave permission for TPE to use the name and imagery of the Palace of Holyroodhouse on one of its trains.
Matthew added: “It’s a great honour and privilege to have been granted permission from Queen Elizabeth II before she passed.
“It seemed fitting to unveil the newly named train at Edinburgh Waverley Station and even more apt to send the train on its first journey across the country to the sound of bagpipes.”
Damian Briody, Head of Rail Projects and Technical Services for Transport Scotland, said: “It’s an honour to have witnessed the unveiling of the Palace of Holyroodhouse at Edinburgh Waverley.
“With such a steep royal history, it seemed only fitting to unveil the train in Edinburgh, less than a mile from the royal palace itself and I’m looking forward to seeing passengers enjoy riding on the newly named train.”
TPE customers can take a trip fit for royalty onboard the newly-named Nova 1 along the Anglo-Scottish routes connecting Edinburgh/Glasgow with Newcastle and the North West of England.
Notes to editors
Pictured:
- Damian Briody, Head of Rail Projects and Technical Services for Transport Scotland
- Graham Meiklejohn, Head of Regional Development for TransPennine Express
- Sandy Mutch, The Border Piper