In recognition of the first Royal Train service as part of Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, a locomotive was unveiled arriving into Manchester Victoria Station 23 March in a specially commissioned Jubilee design.

The locomotive, which will haul the Royal Train to Jubilee events this year, is painted in silver with an image of the United Kingdom flag and was officially named Diamond Jubilee by HM The Queen earlier that morning.

The celebratory design was commissioned by DB Schenker Rail UK, the Royal Train Operator, to commemorate the historic link between HM The Queen’s reign and the railway.

The Royal Train has been a central part of the travel arrangements of the Royal Family since the first service operated on 13 June 1842.  The train will transport members of the Royal Family to Diamond Jubilee events across the UK this year.

Alain Thauvette, Chief Executive of DB Schenker Rail UK, said:  “During the Diamond Jubilee this special locomotive will convey members of the Royal Family using the Royal Train to engagements across Britain to celebrate this important year.

“The railway is proud to support the transport requirements of the Royal Household and we are delighted to have commissioned this special locomotive design to commemorate and celebrate HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.”