Prince Harry Records Special Message In Honor Of New ‘Thomas The Tank’

The Duke of Sussex has always loved Thomas the Tank Engine and now he’s a part of the beloved children’s saga in a very special way. Thomas the Tank Engine is celebrating its 75th anniversary and Harry recorded a special message in honor of the plucky engine.

In his message, Prince Harry debuts a new program entitled, “Thomas and Friends: The Royal Engine.” The storyline weaves in Harry’s father Prince Charles and his grandmother Queen Elizabeth as animated characters.

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According to Harry, he retains, “fond memories of growing up with Thomas and Friends and being transported to new places through his adventures.”

Prince Harry Has Always Had An Affinity For Thomas The Tank Engine

The prince’s love of the storied engine goes at least as far back as nursery school. Adorable photos of the little tyke show him in 1987 with a Thomas the Tank Engine bag as he attends his first day of school.

In his recording, Harry is reading all about the train’s adventures while sitting in a comfortable armchair. He tells viewers that Thomas, “has been a comforting, familiar face to so many families over the last 75 years — entertaining, educating and inspiring children on important issues through exciting stories and characters.”

The first book in “The Railway Series” was released 75 years ago by Wilbert Awdry who developed it as a bedtime story for his son. At the time his son, Christopher was enduring the measles and the book was a way to entertain him.

What Is Thomas The Tank Engine All About?

When the series debuted, Harry’s father, Charles, Prince of Wales, was still a boy. The first book in the cheerful series involves Thomas, a friendly engine, carrying railway controller Sir Topham Hatt to Buckingham Palace in order to receive an honor.

In the 1980s Thomas enjoyed success as a stop-motion animation series and in 2009 the series was upgraded to CGI. Mattel now owns the “Thomas and Friends,” franchise which is seen in more than 150 countries.

Thomas The Tank Engine Has A New Character To Get To Know

“Thomas and Friends: The Royal Engine,” has been further updated to include a new character, a VIP train named the Duchess of Loughborough. The newbie addition is voiced by none other than British actress Rosamund Pike.

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— SOS/CTS/HH (@SoapOperaSpy) April 28, 2020

The exciting new program debuts in the U.S. on Netflix on May 1. The following day UK viewers can catch the show on Channel 5′s Milkshake. Canada and Australia plan to show the program later in the month of May.

Prince Harry records a special message in honor of the new ‘Thomas the Tank’ show involving the royal family.