Prince Charles shocks commuters with ‘first trip on London Underground in 35 years’

The Prince of Wales travelled one stop from Farringdon to King’s Cross on the Metropolitan line with the Duchess of Cornwall as part of events marking the 150th anniversary on the Tube.

It is understood the last time the prince travelled on the Tube was in 1979, when he opened a section of the Jubilee line.

Farringdon station was chosen for the royal visit as it was the terminus of the original Metropolitan Railway that opened on January 10 1863, as part of the world’s first underground metro line.

Prince Charles was presented with a special Oyster card for the visit, even though he qualifies for free travel as a London resident aged over 60.

How does one eat that oyster? Prince Charles was given his own travel card for use on London's public transport

Charles and Camilla qualify for a Freedom Pass but they were given Oyster cards with £10 loaded onto them anyway

After finally figuring out how to use his Oyster card, Prince Charles made his way through the barriers at Farringdon Station

The Prince of Wales and Camilla spoke with long-serving London Underground staff and engineering trainees

There was plenty of space for the royal couple on the Tube train

The royal couple also spoke with engineers about the Crossrail project