From the Bristol Evening Post
Prince Michael of Kent visited Bristol to name one of First Great Western's High Speed Trains.The prince, who has had a lifelong fascination with railways, came to Temple Meads Station to unveil the nameplates, which bear his own name.
The ceremony was part of a day of activities, which included a trip in the driver's cab of a High Speed Train and a visit to the company's maintenance depot to try out a driving simulator.
First Great Western, having named just two other High Speed Train power cars this year, decided to fulfil Prince Michael's ambition of having a train or locomotive named after him.
The prince developed an enthusiasm for railways following his first experiences of the Royal Train as a child.
He takes every opportunity to travel by train, both in the UK and abroad, and was a frequent traveller with First Great Western when he lived in Gloucestershire.
A strong supporter of the railway heritage and preservation movement, he is also patron of the Transport Trust.
First Great Western's managing director, Alison Forster, said: "After reading about Prince Michael's ambition, and finding out about his enthusiasm for rail travel, we just had to name one of our power cars in his honour, particularly as he has such strong links with our network.
"He is a great ambassador for rail transport in the UK and across the world."
At the end of the day, the prince returned to London in the driver's cab of a First Great Western High Speed Train, where he was given a demonstration of the safety and operational systems.