The holidays can be a busy time, and the Royal Family doesn’t shy away from their jam-packed daily schedules.
Prince Charles made his way to Cardiff by a steam locomotive-pulled train for a day of royal engagements. The Clan Line, the locomotive pulling the Royal Train, was built the same year as the future King was born, 1948.
The visit started at Cardiff Central Station where the Prince was greeted by commuters on platform three.
Charles then spent a great time with Vince Henderson, 58, the driver of the train. According to the BBC, Henderson said the Prince was very intrigued by the engine and its coal. After wishing the crew a Merry Christmas, he spent some time with youngsters from the Prince’s Trust programme. As part of the Get Into Rail project, children were brought to the station to learn about different skills to equip them for the rail industry.
Phil Jones, the director of the Prince’s Trust Cymru, said, “Employers can teach them the specific skills needed to do the job but Get Into Rail helps them develop what we call soft skills – motivation, self-confidence, teamwork.”
Prince Charles later paid a visit to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama for which he is a patron. A special concert was held in honour of the Prince’s 70th birthday. College principal, Prof. Helena Gaunt said, “We are so grateful for the close and active interest he takes as our patron in our work, and in the development of the college.”
To cap off the day, the Prince visited the City Hospice where he met with patients, families, volunteers and staff.
The Prince of Wales is set to join his son the Duke of Sussex in an engagement on 12 December. They will join in a discussion with young people and their families about youth violent crime at Clarence House.
