Kate Middleton and Prince William kick off train tour of Britain with performance by Shakin’ Stevens
ROCK star Shakin’ Stevens got Kate and Wills on track for their train tour of Britain.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge boarded the Royal Train on a nationwide tour to thank key workers and communities in the fight against Covid-19.
They were treated to a performance of Merry Christmas Everyone by Shaky – known as the Welsh Elvis.
Kate and Wills, both 38, met transport workers at Euston Station, London, last night who had helped keep the nation’s trains running during the pandemic.
Speaking to Alero Abbey, TfL area manager for Green Park and Euston, William said: “It’s moments like this when people really appreciate what you do every day.
“Suddenly we all know what you do and that you do a really good job.”
The couple appeared shocked to hear from London Overground driver Glyn Smith, who told them he had managed to avoid hitting a young child on the line in June.
CLAPPED ALONG
William said: “You saved his life? How fast were you going at the time?”
Mr Smith told them he was driving at around 20mph, adding: “It could have been so much worse.”
William replied: “Well done. Very impressive.”
Shaky, real name Michael Barrett, 72, sent the royals on their way in the Queen’s Royal Train for a short tour of England, Scotland and Wales that finishes tomorrow.
He belted out his 1984 Christmas number one hit from the station floor as Kate and Wills clapped along from the first-floor concourse.
Network Rail staff at Euston Station altered the departure boards for the occasion, changing Wolverhampton to Warmerhampton, Coventry to Coventry Carol and Northampton to Northpolehampton.
The Duke and Duchess will stop off in England, Scotland and Wales, to thank frontline NHS workers, volunteers, keyworkers, care home staff, teachers and schoolchildren for all their hard work during the pandemic.
But the stop-offs are being kept underwraps.
The final stop tomorrow will be to see the Queen, Prince Charles and Camilla – the first time the five senior Royals will have gathered for a photograph this year.
The Royal Train, decorated in royal claret livery, is powered by eco-friendly bio-fuel made from waste cooking oil.
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Rock star Shakin’ Stevens is famous for a string of 1980s hits including Merry Christmas Everyone which hit number one in 1984.
A Kensington Palace spokesman said: “They are really excited about the trip and getting to communities across England, Scotland and Wales.
“The only thing that’s missing is a stop in Northern Ireland which is currently in a full lockdown – so they’ll make it a priority to get there in the new year.”
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