The King visits Pickering
Published
His Majesty arrived at the North Yorkshire Market Town by Royal Train, which was pulled by the Flying Scotsman
There was a special start to the visit, as His Majesty’s train arrived in the station being pulled by the Flying Scotsman.
This was to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the famous engine and entering service and the 50th anniversary of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
On the platform at Pickering Heritage Railway Station, The King met the custodian of Flying Scotsman, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill and Mrs Judith McNicol, Director of the National Railway Museum which is home to the Flying Scotsman – the first locomotive to reach 100mph.
After viewing the footplate of the Flying Scotsman, His Majesty had the opportunity to meet staff and volunteers who have helped the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and Flying Scotsman reach its significant milestone.
At the ticket hall, The King unveiled a plaque commemorating the 50th anniversary of the heritage railway.
After departing the station, His Majesty visited some local shops on Pickering’s Market Place including Birdgate Chocolatiers, a handmade chocolatier and ice-cream shop that uses locally-sourced ingredients and Horsley Butchers which sells produce from the Duchy of Lancaster.
After meeting shop owners, His Majesty headed to St Peter and St Paul's Church, which contains some of the most complete sets of medieval wall paintings in Britain and were only first accidentally rediscovered behind plaster in 1852.
On a tour of the Church with its Vicar, Reverend Gareth Atha and Dr Kate Giles Co-Director of the Centre for the Study of Christianity and Culture and Senior Lecturer at the University of York, The King learnt more about the significance of the medieval paintings.
Before departing, His Majesty signed a visitors’ book. The last Royal visit to the Church was in 1937 by Queen Mary.
Related content
A message from The King on the 75th Anniversary on the Founding of N.A.T.O.
Message from The King for the 2024 Royal Maundy Service
It is my special prayer today that Our Lord’s example of serving one another might continue to inspire us and to strengthen all our communities.
Message from The King to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War
It is our duty to remember what was once called “the Forgotten War”.
The King's Commonwealth Day Message 2024
The Commonwealth family is strongest when we are connected, through friendship.
A message of condolence from The King to the President of Tanzania following the passing of former Tanzanian President, Ali Hassan Mwinyi
My thoughts and prayers are with former President Mwinyi’s family and the Tanzanian people at this time.
Charities and Patronages
The King's message marking two years of conflict in Ukraine
My heart goes out to all those affected, as I remember them in my thoughts and prayers.
A message from His Majesty The King to Grenada marking their 50th year of Independence
On the occasion of the fiftieth Anniversary of the Independence of Grenada, it gives me great pleasure to send you all my congratulations and warmest good wishes.
A message from His Majesty The King for the launch of Big Help Out 2024
I have long believed that one of the greatest strengths of our nation is our ability to come together and help each other through times of hardship. Throughout my life, I have...
A message from His Majesty The King to Their Majesties King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark
I look forward to working with you on ensuring that the enduring bond between our countries, and our families, remains strong, and to working together with you on issues which...
The King and Faith
A speech by His Majesty The King at the opening of COP28, Dubai, U.A.E
Change will come by working together and making it easier to embrace decisions that will sustain our world, rather than carry on as though there are no limits – or as though...
The King's speech at the State Banquet for the Republic of Korea
As our nations strive towards a harmony between progress and preservation, between the past and the present, we can look to the future with great confidence as our peoples...
The Coronation Food Project
Charities founded by His Majesty The King as The Prince of Wales
Further information about the State Visit of the President of the Republic of Korea
Remarks by His Majesty The King at the United Nations Office Nairobi, Kenya
As we look ahead to COP twenty-eight in another months time, we must remember what President Ruto said at the Africa Climate Summit – “we go far when we go together”.
A Speech by His Majesty The King at the State Banquet, Kenya
We both take considerable pride in renewing the ties between the United Kingdom and Kenya, a country that has long held such special meaning for my family.
The King's speech at the French Senate
Today, in confronting the greatest challenges of our time, we continue the work of those who came before us. When General de Gaulle spoke to the French people from London in...
The King's speech during the State Banquet at Versailles
Mr. President, in all of this we can rely on our firm friendship, which is renewed and reinvigorated with each new generation.
The King's message of condolence following the devastation caused by Storm Daniel.
I admire greatly all those who are engaged tirelessly in the rescue efforts in such dire conditions, and praise their selfless bravery.