Prince Harry records special 'Thomas & Friends' episode

The Duke of Sussex will introduce a special edition of an animated children’s program about “Thomas the Tank Engine,” which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.

The special episode, “Thomas & Friends: The Royal Engine,” features animations of the Queen and Prince Charles as a child.

The program airs in the US on Netflix on Friday and the following day in the UK on Channel 5 Milkshake! It will be available in more than 180 countries this year.

Viewers will see him sitting in an armchair by a fireplace, reading from a book titled “Thomas and the Royal Engine.”

In his introduction, Prince Harry says “Thomas & Friends” is celebrating 75 years “of friendship and teamwork.”

Image taken from "Thomas & Friends: The Royal Engine," featuring animations of the Queen and Prince Charles.

In a statement released by Mattel, the owner of the “Thomas the Tank Engine” brand, the prince said he was a fan of Thomas as a child.

Prince Harry said: “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.

“I certainly have fond memories of growing up with Thomas & Friends and being transported to new places through his adventures.”

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He added that he was “proud” to take part in the special episode.

The prince undertook the role in exchange for a donation to charity, according to the press statement, although further details of this have not been made available.

The 22-minute special will also feature a character voiced by British actress Rosamund Pike.

“Thomas the Tank Engine” was created by the Rev. W. Awdry and was a book series.

The story was turned into a TV series in 1984 and for several years was narrated by former Beatle Ringo Starr. It made its American debut on PBS in 1989.

source: cnn.com