King steps aboard iconic 100-year-old locomotive on North Yorkshire visit
It's part of celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of Flying Scotsman and the 50th anniversary of The North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Last updated 12th Jun 2023
King Charles has been shown around the iconic Flying Scotsman locomotive on a visit to North Yorkshire.
His Majesty arrived in Pickering earlier as part of celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of Flying Scotsman and the 50th anniversary of The North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
The Royal Train was pulled into Pickering Heritage Railway Station by the famous locomotive.
The Flying Scotsman started life as just another of Sir Nigel Gresley's A1 class of locomotives but is now considered one of the most famous locomotives in the world and officially the first locomotive to reach 100mph.
Friday, 24th February 2023 marked 100 years since Flying Scotsman entered service.
On the platform at Pickering Heritage Railway Station, His Majesty is met the custodian of Flying Scotsman, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill and Mrs Judith McNicol, Director of the National Railway Museum which is home to the Flying Scotsman.
Flying Scotsman's driver, Chris Cubitt, said of Charles: "He said he enjoyed the trip.
"He's a regular because he has been here before when he opened the station in 2000.
"He's on his way to Scarborough now through my village.
"I invited him in for tea, but he said he couldn't come."
Mr Cubitt, who started working on the railways in 1961, said: "He's interested in everything. He's a good egg. He likes everything heritage."
He added: "He was a gentleman."
King Charles also shook hands with staff and volunteers who have helped the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and Flying Scotsman reach its significant milestone.
Amongst those who will be met include volunteers with over 50 years’ service, apprentices, and a Diesel Fitter.
His Majesty also unveiled a plaque commemorating the 50th anniversary.
King Charles returns North Yorkshire
Charles looked relaxed as he chatted with many of the hundreds of people who had gathered on both sides of Pickering's sweltering Market Place.
As he worked his way up the hill, he visited some of the local shops, including a family butcher's, which sells produce from the Duchy of Lancaster.
Inside Birdgate Chocolatiers, he asked for some Kendal Mint Cake, which he said he remembered from going on expeditions when he was young.
After around 20 minutes in the sun, the King moved into the cool atmosphere of St Peter and St Paul's Church, which is famous for its medieval wall paintings.
Commissioned around 1450, the paintings, one of the most complete sets in Britain, were only accidentally rediscovered behind plaster in 1852.
The King was given a guided tour by Dr Kate Giles, co-director of the Centre for the Study of Christianity and Culture and senior lecturer at the University of York.
Charles made a point of chatting to the bell-ringers, who had been in action all morning, providing a musical backdrop to his visit.
He asked them whether young people are interested in taking up the hobby, and was told they are not.
He asked about the different rings he had heard during his visit.
"What are you going to ring when I go?" he asked them.
"What do you want?" one of the group replied, making the royal visitor laugh.
The King replied: "I'm not sure. I'll leave it to you."
As he signed the visitors' book, the King was told by the Reverend Gareth Atha that Queen Mary had visited the church in 1937.
Charles said: "I remember my great-grandmother very well."