Prince Harry lands first post-royal role as he stars in special video

prince harry first post royal role thomas tank engine introduction
(Image credit: Getty)

Prince Harry has starred in his first post-royal role as he has featured in a special video.

Prince Harry has made his first appearance since officially stepping down as a senior member of the Royal Family as he teamed up with an iconic childhood TV series.

The Duke of Sussex has teamed up with Thomas the Tank Engine to introduce a special royal episode of the locomotive-centric animation, which features characters based on both his father and heir apparent Prince Charles and the current reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth II.

The special 75th birthday episode will follow iconic train Thomas travel to London for the first time to take Sir Topham Hatt, or the Fat Controller, to be bestowed with a distinguished service at Buckingham Palace.

See more

The 22-minute episode will star Gone Girl actress Rosamund Pike as new train the Duchess of Loughborough and will feature an animated young Prince Charles who requests Thomas’s services.

Prince Harry filmed his introduction to the special royal episode back in January, before he and wife Duchess Meghan officially stepped down as senior members of the Royal Family.

The royal revealed that he was a fan of the animated blue steam engine, which first appeared in books back in 1945, as a child while he was growing up.

See more

"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," said the Duke Of Sussex.

"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.

MORE: Prince Harry makes Covid-19 comments that things are ‘better than we’ve been led to believe’ in new podcast episode

"I wish Thomas & Friends a very happy anniversary."

The special episode will be available to watch next week as it will be aired in the UK on Channel 5 Milkshake! at 9.05am on Saturday 2nd May.

Aleesha Badkar
Digital Beauty Editor, woman&home

Aleesha is Digital Beauty Editor at woman&home, where she gets to share her expertise into all the best techniques, sharpest tools and newest products—with a particular savvy in skincare and fragrance.

Previously, she was Deputy Editor and Beauty & Fashion Editor for My Imperfect Life, where she headed up the beauty, fashion and eCommerce pages. In the past, she has worked as Shopping Writer at woman&home, gained an AOP awards nomination after working on their news team, contributed to Women's Health, Stylist and Goodto and earned an MA in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London.