Royal Family News
Meghan Markle to Experience an Unprecedented Sleepover with the Queen on the Royal Train
The Duchess of Sussex is set to embark on a one-of-a-kind sleepover when she travels with the Queen overnight to Cheshire on the Royal Train next week.
The Queen has invited Meghan to join her for a day of engagements on Thursday, and according to Mail Online, the train will set off on Wednesday and arrive at Runcorn Station on Thursday morning due to the distances involved.
While the Queen often travels long distances on her train overnight, it will be a new experience for her granddaughter-in-law.
The nine-carriage train currently in service dates back to 1977, during the Silver Jubilee Tours, and while it is a unique experience, it is outdated and not entirely luxurious.
The Queen's personal saloon, which is 75 feet long, is fitted with secondary air suspension that provides passengers with an exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride.
The bedroom, decorated in light pastel shades, features a three-feet-wide single bed in one corner.
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There are no double beds on the Royal Train, and it is made up with cotton sheets and woolen blankets.
The Queen's pillows are trimmed with lace and have a small royal cipher in one corner, while Prince Philip's pillows are plain.
The ceiling has subdued strip lighting, and several reading lamps are located near the bed.
The sitting room has a sofa with hand-stitched velvet cushions, armchairs, and a small dining table where the Queen and Prince Philip have breakfast.
The table can be extended to seat six people, and there is also a desk in one corner where Her Majesty works on her official papers.
Although Meghan has spent time with the Queen at Windsor Castle and enjoyed several meetings with her, the overnight journey will be an unprecedented experience for her.
It will give the Queen an opportunity to spend some quality time with Harry's new bride.
Harry has revealed that his grandmother has already given Meghan her seal of approval, and the dog-loving Duchess has even charmed the monarch's notoriously snappy corgis.
Only the most senior members of the royal family, including the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, and the Duchess of Cornwall, are entitled to use the Royal Train.
Not even Prince Harry, the Duke, and Duchess of Cambridge have used it in an official capacity.
Last year, the royals traveled on the distinctive livery train only 14 times, costing taxpayers £900,000.
Buckingham Palace officials admit that it is expensive, but the Queen, who is 92 years old, finds it more comfortable to use on overnight long-distance journeys.
The Queen and Meghan will undertake three official engagements in Cheshire next Thursday.
Additionally, they will join other senior royals during the celebration of Trooping the Colour on Saturday, marking the Queen's 92nd birthday.
A royal source told Mirror Online that Harry and Meghan would grace the balcony with other senior royals.
The balcony appearance symbolizes how Meghan has been welcomed into the family.
The newlyweds have not been seen since attending Prince Charles' 70th birthday three days after their wedding on May 19.