The day Prince Charles swapped limousine life for the Tyne and Wear Metro

Whether it be in a private jet, limousine or in the back of the Queen's Range Rover as she whizzes around an estate, Prince Charles certainly travels luxuriously.

That all changed when the Prince of Wales visited Newcastle on Tuesday as he swapped private transport for a trip on the Tyne and Wear Metro.

The Prince travelled up to the North East to commemorate the Metro's 40th anniversary.

During his visit, the Royal headed underground in the city centre and boarded the Metro at Central Station for a trip to Haymarket.

To mark the occasion, Tyne and Wear Metro wheeled out the same train that the Queen used to open the rail network back in 1981.

Metro Operations Director, John Alexander, said: “It seemed only fitting that we used the same train from 1981 for today’s visit of Prince Charles to mark the Metro’s 40th anniversary.

“This was the train that Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh travelled on when they formally opened Metro and dedicated the QEII Metro bridge.

“I’m relieved that the train worked just as well today as it did all those years ago.

“It shows the longevity of our fleet and brings home just how many years of great service we have had from these trains over the last four decades.”

Prince Charles went on to unveil an anniversary plaque at Haymarket and chatted with longstanding Metro workers about life on the rails.

Workshop Technician Steve and Buildings and Facilities Supervisor Dick exchanged words with the Royal.

Steve was there the day the Queen opened the Metro and said: "It was a wonderful honour for me to meet Prince Charles.

“I was here when the Queen opened Metro in 1981 and to meet the Prince all these year years later was really lovely for me.

“The Prince was interested in what my job involves and learning more about the repairs that we have to undertake every day on the Metro network.

“The Prince was also interested in how we manufacture parts to help save on the cost of some of our repairs.

“He was interested in the young people that we are training up and being able to carry on the work that we do.

“His Royal Highness asked me where I was at the Royal opening in 1981. I showed him a photo of me meeting the Queen that day in 1981 and he said that I hadn’t changed a bit. I think he was just being kind!"

During his visit to the North East, Prince Charles also visited The Prince’s Trust Cheryl’s Trust Centre to admire their work and meet the young people benefiting.

The Prince wasn't the only recognisable face at the event either, with Cheryl herself also in attendance.

Cheryl has been an outspoken supporter of The Prince's Trust, raising £1 million for the foundation in the past.

Cheryl said: “It was incredibly inspiring to meet young people in Newcastle today and hear how transformational The Prince’s Trust’s support has been for them.

"It really does show how important it is that young people have access to this help so they can build their confidence and skills.

"That’s why I’m so passionate about working with The Prince’s Trust and helping young people succeed.”