A ROYAL was gobsmacked to discover his links with a Keighley steam engine when he visited the town today.

Prince Edward, HRH the Duke of Kent, came face-to-face with historic locomotive Bahamas 45596 at its home at Ingrow station.

He learned that Bahamas and its fellow Jubilee Class engines were created to mark the silver jubilee of his grandfather King George V.

The Duke was fascinated to learn about the loco’s history and how it was restored by Bahamas Locomotive Society volunteers with a £1 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

He rode to Oxenhope on the loco’s footplate, blowing the whistle, and had tea and cake in a Lancashire & Yorkshire club car dating from 1912.

Society chairman Keith Whitmore said the visit to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway went “very well indeed” and the Duke was clearly interested in the intricate workings of the locomotive.

Mr Whitmore said: “The Duke hadn’t realised that there was a family connection, and he was quite chuffed about that.

“He spoke to our small team and was very impressed with them. He wanted to know how the locomotive operated. He is genuinely interested in heritage transport.”

Following its renovation Bahamas recently ventured in its first journey on the main line in more than 25 years.

Mr Whitmore added: “The Duke said he would like to have a trip with us. We will have to organise a royal train!”.

Mr Whitmore said many members of the royal family were interested in steam locomotives, including Princess Anne and Prince Charles.

When the Duke reached Oxenhope station on Bahamas he was watched by members of the public including several guides, Brownies and rainbows from local packs.

In his capacity as president of the Scout Association, he had an official meeting with volunteers and members of the 14th Keighley (Haworth) Scout Group.

Group Scout leader Bev Dickinson said: “He made a point of speaking to everyone – from leaders down to the smallest member. He was lovely, really soft-spoken and very much a gentle man. He was great with the kiddies.”

Afterwards he travelled to Harewood House for lunch.

When he first arrived in Keighley the Duke was guided around St John’s Church, Ingrow, by the Rev Dr Tracey Raistrick.

The church has stood at the heart of the Ingrow community since its construction in 1842.

It was paid for in part by monies from the same mill owners who supported the original creation of the branch line that now occupies the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. Many of these men are buried in the churchyard.

The Rev Tracey said the royal visit came at a time where the church was looking for ways to open up the fabulous heritage of the building and grounds to better serve the community once again.

She said: “The congregation at St John’s Church were delighted to have the opportunity to welcome his royal highness to the church.

“The Duke of Kent’s visit initiates a period of community consultation as we look for fresh ideas and new partnerships for investment in Ingrow, Hainworth and Bracken Bank as we look to live out God’s love among the people here.”

The Duke of Kent, born in 1935, is first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II through their fathers, Prince George, Duke of Kent, and King George VI.

He has held the title of Duke of Kent since the age of six, after the death of his father in a plane crash in 1942.

He carries out engagements on behalf of the Queen, and is himself involved with around 140 charities.

He is president of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club - presenting prizes at Wimbledon each year - the Scout Association and the Royal Institution of Great Britain, and since 1967 he has also been the Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England.