KATE and Wills today start a nationwide railway tour to hail communities’ Covid efforts.
They will travel 1,250 miles on the Royal Train in a three-day tour, dubbed Thomas the Thank Engine.
The stops are being kept under wraps but the Cambridges will greet frontline workers, volunteers, care staff, teachers and pupils.
Aides say they plan to pass on the nation’s “sincere thanks and gratitude” for their efforts.
Kensington Palace said: “The Duke and Duchess are very much looking forward to shining a spotlight on the incredible work that has been done.”
Many stop-offs will be organisations and initiatives that have been supported by community relief funds, including NHS Charities Together.
Visits will celebrate the arts and heritage and include live performances and Christmas events, sources say.
The Queen was given her nine-carriage Royal Train, first used for 1977’s Silver Jubilee.
It features a claret-liveried sleeper and security against machine guns and bombs.
In 2018, the Queen invited new daughter-in-law Meghan to join her on the train on an official visit to Cheshire.
