Rare photos show royal train tradition

A royal tradition of delivering the King's morning newspapers to the royal train has been captured on camera.

Royal photographer Jack Boskett, documented the delivery of the monarch's papers in Devon in December.

The images were taken when the train had an overnight stop on the Totnes to Buckfastleigh branch line, while King Charles III travelled to Devon for a passing-out parade at Britannia Royal Naval College.

South Devon Railway said it was the first time it had been documented on camera, and the visit marked the first time in 63 years the royal train had stayed overnight on that stretch of line.

As the hosts, railway staff were entrusted with the operational responsibility of the train during the stopover.

The task of delivering the papers fell to a railway volunteer staff member, who collected the papers from Bridgetown Stores in Totnes, and delivered them to the train in the early hours of the morning.

"It was a privilege to be trusted with such a responsibility", said South Devon Railway general manager, Ernest Elsworth-Wilson.

"These photographs capture not just a moment in time, but a tradition that reflects the deep history of Britain's railways and the quiet rituals that still endure."

Kajal Patel, owner of Bridgetown Stores, said: "I had no idea!

"I am amazed and delighted to hear that we have supplied newspapers for the King."

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