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Talyllyn Railway Royal Visit 1982

Charles and Diana, the Prince and Princess of Wales, take a one-station trip on one of the country’s little trains, Charles riding in the cab from Pendre to Rhydyronen.

Home movie 1982 6 mins Silent

From the collection of:

Logo for National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales

Overview

Charles and Diana, the Prince and Princess of Wales, let the train take the strain on a wet Thursday in November (25/11/1982). The prince’s three feathers grace the Talyllyn Railway engine that conveys them both from Pendre to Rhydyronen Station. He rides in the cab, an overall provided, but the princess travels more comfortably in an attractive coach reserved for VIPs.

Opening in 1866, the Talyllyn Railway transported slate – and also passengers - from Bryneglwys Quarry to Abergynolwyn and Towyn. It closed in 1950 but was not out of operation for long as the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society was instituted in 1951 – the first society of its kind in the world - and dedicated to its successful revival. The royal couple were visiting the railway 14 months into their marriage and after becoming parents on 21/6/1982 following the birth of Prince William.