As King Charles prepares to retire the Royal Family’s beloved train, a cherished memory involving Meghan Markle and the late Queen Elizabeth II has resurfaced, offering a rare glimpse into a warm moment of royal connection. The Royal Train, a nine-carriage symbol of regal tradition and luxury, is set to be decommissioned ahead of its maintenance contract expiration in early 2027.
The announcement, revealed in the Royal Household’s annual financial report released Monday, marks the end of an era in royal travel. As the royal family begins to transition toward modern transport options—primarily two newly acquired helicopters—many are reflecting on the train’s storied history, including one particularly heartwarming moment from 2018.
Just weeks after her wedding to Prince Harry, Meghan Markle was invited on her first solo royal engagement with Queen Elizabeth II. The destination was Cheshire, and the two traveled overnight aboard the Royal Train—an invitation extended only to a select few senior royals throughout history. Prince Harry recounted the event in his memoir Spare, published in January 2023. “Days later, Meg went off on her first royal trip with Granny,” Harry wrote.
“She was nervous, but they got on famously. They also bonded over their love of dogs.” According to Harry, Meghan returned from the trip with a newfound confidence and excitement, telling him, “We bonded. The Queen and I really bonded!”
Meghan even shared a lighthearted piece of advice she received from the Queen during their time together. “We talked about how much I wanted to be a mom, and she told me the best way to induce labour was a good bumpy car ride! I told her I’d remember that when the time came.”
The Duchess’s time with the Queen aboard the train was seen by many as a symbolic welcome into the heart of the royal family, and the journey remains one of the most publicly celebrated moments of their early relationship.
The Royal Train itself has long represented a blend of tradition, discretion, and royal luxury. Designed to provide privacy and comfort for working royals, it has been used for countless official journeys across the UK. However, officials now deem it too costly and impractical compared to modern alternatives.
As the royal household modernizes its approach to travel, the fond memories of moments like Meghan and the Queen’s shared journey serve as a poignant reminder of the personal connections that sometimes quietly unfold behind the grandeur of monarchy.