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 Fictional train Thomas the Tank Engine came to life in 1945 as a
character in "The Railway Series" books by Reverend Wilbert
Awdry, an Anglican clergyman, and later his son Christopher.
It led to a children's TV spin-off show now called "Thomas and
Friends", which began in 1984 and is still running.
Sitting in an armchair and holding one of the brand's books,
Prince Harry introduces the episode "Thomas & Friends: The Royal
Engine" saying: "It all began when a young boy lay ill in bed.
His loving father entertained him with stories of a special
railway on the magical island of Sodor."
"Those stories would go on to become the tales of the most
iconic tank engine the world has ever known, Thomas the Tank
Engine... 'Thomas & Friends' is celebrating 75 years of
friendship and teamwork."
"The Royal Engine" features Britain's Queen Elizabeth and her
eldest child Prince Charles - Harry's father - as a boy awaiting
the arrival of Sir Topham Hatt, also known as the Fat
Controller. He has been invited to London by the queen to
collect an award and it is Thomas' job to get him there safely.
"It's about Thomas and Sir Topham Hatt embarking on a journey to
London and on the way they come across lots of pitfalls and
perils," said producer Ian McCue.
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The episode features a new train character, The Duchess of
Loughborough, whose role is to transport the royal family.
"I think this is a very beautiful and apt episode for the 75th
anniversary episode," said actress Rosamund Pike, who voices the
duchess.
"It's got all the key characters and some new ones and some
unexpected ones, and I think it puts Thomas front and centre, giving
him a very noble and important challenge and he emerges from it
triumphant," Pike said.
The recording of Harry reading the introduction took place in
January, before he gave up his royal duties and moved with his wife
Meghan to the United States, where they intend to launch a new
charitable foundation.
"Thomas & Friends: The Royal Engine" is due to be screened on
various channels around the world starting on May 1 in the United
States on Netflix.
(Reporting by Reuters Television; Writing by Mike Davidson and
Gareth Jones; Editing by Alison Williams)
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