October 2025: Royal Trains Coat of Arms

Have you ever noticed the huge Royal Coats of Arms above the doors as you enter and exit the museum display areas?  Object of the Month for October features these magnificent royal arms that were used to decorate Royal trains as far back as 1897.

The GWR, like the other major railway companies, provided the Royal Family with beautifully decorated saloons to travel in, hauled by the most prestigious locomotive of the time.  Because the GWR operated the route between Windsor and London, their Royal train took part in some of the Royal family’s most prestigious journeys, including a number of state funerals.

Queen Victoria’ Diamond Jubilee Train

The Coats of Arms first made an appearance for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.  They adorned each side of locomotive No. 3041 The Queen, which hauled the Royal Train, taking Queen Victoria from Windsor to Paddington for the celebrations.  They are made of cast metal and are extremely heavy.  They would have been quite a task to install in preparation for a Royal journey.

Windsor Castle being cleaned in preparation for Royal use c.1920s

The ornate coat of arms features an English Lion and a Scottish Unicorn holding a shield illustrating the three lions of England, the lion of Scotland and the harp of Ireland.  Beneath, is the motto of the sovereign, Dieu et mon droit, meaning God and my right.

Britannia locomotive with Royal crest c1900

These Coats of Arms stopped being used on Royal Trains in the 1950s.  They are now part of the National Collection.