Inside the Royal Train

The Queen sits at her desk on the Royal Train

A rare glimpse at the opulent style in which the Royals have travelled since 1842

WHEN the Queen gets a train there’s no standing in the aisles and jostling for space.

The Royal Train, launched in 1842 when Queen Victoria was on the throne, even puts the Orient Express to shame with its luxurious carriages – from the 12-seater dining room to the stunning smoking room with ornate gold fittings and comfortable bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.

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The Queen with Prince Andrew (right) and Prince Edward (centre) in a compartment of the Royal Train before departure from London in December 1965

Described as “Buckingham Palace on wheels”, the sumptuous train was brought into service because Victoria disliked travelling by coach.

Since then the Royal family have used it for extended holidays around the country, and they travel in style – as do their staff.

Their meals are cooked by a full kitchen staff and are cooked to the standard expected in the royal palaces and there's a rota of 150 special drivers who are allowed to take the controls.

The luxurious carriages have now been revealed in a rare glimpse inside the royal train.

Queen Victoria's Saloon

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The saloon is the epitome of extravagance with it's blue and gold theme

On the first royal train journey, from Windsor to London, in 1842 Queen Victoria relaxed in a beautiful blue living room, with upholstered blue walls to ornate gold accessories.

The room had been refurbished over time but the décor, and the rich blue theme, remains essentially the same.

King Edward's Lounge

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Edward and Alexandra wanted this saloon so he could work while she relaxed in the same carriage

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This carriage was used by Edward VII

When he took the throne in 1901, Victoria’s son Edward VII commissioned a new set of saloons, incorporating an office and lounge combo so that he and Queen Alexandra could escape together.

Smoking Room

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Edward VII's smoking room is modelled on traditional gentlemen's clubs

Built for Edward VII by London and North Western Railways, this carriage has a distinct gentlemen's club vibe about it.

The green velvet and dark wood, coupled with the decanter of port, suggests a cubby hole for the chaps to retire after dinner with their cigars.

The Dining Room

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The 12-seater dining room was also commissioned by Edward VII

The 12-seater dining room is serviced by kitchen staff who travel with the family, and serve meals fit for a queen.

King George V's Bathroom

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The King's tub was the first to be fitted on a train

George V, the Queen's grandfather, had his dressing room turned into a bathroom in 1915, fitting the first tub ever to be installed on a train in the UK.

Today the Queen's en suite has a bath while Philip's has a shower.

King George V's Bedroom

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King George V's bedroom was among the first to have electric lights and fans

George V's wife, Queen Mary, oversaw renovations to the train which included fitting electric lights and cooling fans.

The King and Queen's bedrooms were the same design, but Mary had a pink quilt and cream curtains.

Queen Elizabeth II's Saloon

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The Queen's former living room, pictured while on display at The National Railway Museum in 1997, is austere compared to the sumptuous luxury of her predecessor

The Queen's day quarters were updated in 1977,  before Queen Elizabeth embarked on the Silver Jubilee Tour, and the old one, above, was given to the National Railway Museum.

Her new carriage is 75-feet-long, covered in plush carpet and features paintings of Scottish landscapes by Roy Penny.

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The modern day train is a far cry from the steam engine of 1842

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The Queen and Prince Philip arrive on the Royal Train at Birmingham New Street Station to officially open the refurbished rail station on November 19, 2015

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The Royal steam train pictured in 1946

(Source:The Sun, London)