Thomas The Tank Engine is a classic show that’s been adored by children around the world for decades, including by a young Prince Harry.
It turns out, Harry has been a Thomas superfan since way back. When he was just three years old, the young Prince was photographed on his first day of nursery school with a Thomas The Tank Engine bag slung over his arm.
And he was also pictured sporting an official Thomas T-shirt while out and about with his mother, Princess Diana, not too long afterwards.
WATCH IN THE PLAYER ABOVE: Prince Harry records special message to mark the Thomas the Tank Engine’s 75th anniversary
So there’s no doubt as to why the Duke of Sussex decided to embark on his latest project – starring in an on-camera introduction to a very special episode of Thomas The Tank Engine, a new royal TV special called Thomas and Friends: The Royal Engine.
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The 22-minute episode, which airs on Netflix next month, marks Thomas & Friends’ 75th anniversary, and even features a cameo from The Queen and Prince Charles.
Prince Harry filmed the on-camera introduction earlier this year.
(Image: Mattel)
The cartoon features The Queen and a young Prince Charles, pictured.
(Image: Mattel)
A young Prince Charles and The Queen complete with her signature handbag.
(Image: Mattel)Set when the Prince of Wales was a boy, the story follows Thomas as he transports Sir Topham Hatt, the controller of the railway yard, to Buckingham Palace in London.
He has been invited by The Queen herself to receive an award for distinguished service to the railway, and her son, a young Prince Charles, has asked that Thomas be the engine to transport him on his journey.
The show also introduces a new character, a special engine called Duchess of Loughborough, voiced by British actress Rosamund Pike.
Prince Harry pictured with his Thomas bag waving to photographers in September 1987, as he headed off for his first day of nursery school in London.
(Image: Getty)In a statement, Harry said it was an honour to be involved in the project.
“Thomas the Tank Engine 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,” he said.
“I certainly have fond memories of growing up with Thomas & Friends and being transported to new places through his adventures. I am very proud to have been asked to take part in this special episode. I wish Thomas & Friends a very happy anniversary.”
Harry was clearly a big Thomas fan, judging by his bag!
(Image: Getty)
The cheeky boy taking a peek at the waiting photographers.
(Image: Getty)
Again sporting another piece of Thomas merch, this time with his mother Diana, Princess of Wales.
(Image: Getty)Harry’s on-camera introduction was recorded earlier this year, in January, with the Duke donating his fee to charity.
That means the special was filmed before he and wife Duchess Meghan announced they would step down as senior working members of the royal family.
The couple have now officially cut ties – the changes came into effect on March 31 – and are currently isolating in their new home of Los Angeles with their son, baby Archie.
WATCH BELOW: Royal photographer shares his favourite photos of Harry and Meghan.
