The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have arrived in Scotland as part of a royal train tour.
The royal train pulled into Edinburgh Waverley station on Monday morning to the sounds of a piper playing Christmas songs including Jingle Bells and Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.
Wearing face masks, William and Kate were welcomed to the city on the platform and chatted briefly, before thanking the piper and leaving the station to make their way to their first engagement.
PA MediaTheir first official engagement was meeting frontline workers from the Scottish Ambulance Service in Newbridge.
The duke and duchess thanked the staff for their incredible efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.
The visit coincided with the announcement that William and Kate have become joint patrons of NHS Charities Together.
Ian Lush, chair of NHS Charities Together, said: “This is such an honour for our organisation and for all the NHS charities across the UK.
“The involvement of Their Royal Highnesses will inspire the public to do even more to support the amazing NHS staff and volunteers who have done so much to keep us safe and well this year.
“We can’t wait to start working with the duke and duchess, the potential is so exciting.”
The duke and duchess set off from London Euston on Sunday evening for a 1250-mile, three-day tour.
During their tour, William and Kate will highlight the impact of extraordinary public generosity during the coronavirus pandemic, showcasing charities such as NHS Together and meeting frontline workers, teachers, mental health professionals, care workers and schoolchildren.
They will also celebrate examples of community spirit by showcasing the arts, heritage and the live performance sector.
They received a rock and roll send-off when Shakin’ Stevens serenaded them before they boarded the royal train.
The singer, known for a string of hits in the 1980s, sang his festive smash hit single Merry Christmas Everyone for the couple and a group of transport workers.
The track topped the charts during Christmas 1985 and was picked by William and Kate as the song they wanted to hear.
The royals wrote a personal message of thanks to transport workers on a London Underground service information board before embarking on their tour.
Kensington Palace shared images of the notice at Euston station.
The message read: “Thank you to all transport workers everywhere for keeping the country moving throughout this difficult year.
“Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas.
“Catherine. William.”
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
