Prince Harry records message for Thomas the Tank Engine

Prince Harry has recorded a special mess to celebrate 75th anniversary of children’s favorite Thomas Tank Engine.

Duke of Sussex introduces a new program called “Thomas and Friends: Royal Engine,” which has a storyline that includes Harry’s far and grandmor, Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth II, as animated characters.

Set when Prince of Wales was a boy, story sees friendly engine taking Sir Topham Hatt, controller of railway, to Buckingham Palace to receive an hor.

In his introduction — which was recorded in January before his move overseas — Prince Harry is seen sitting in an armchair, reing from a book about train’s ventures.

In a statement he said he has “fond memories of growing up with Thomas and Friends and being transported to new places through his ventures.”

Thomas “has been a comforting, familiar face to so many families over last 75 years — entertaining, educating and inspiring children on important issues through exciting stories and characters,” he ded.

In January, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, anunced y planned to quit as senior royals, seek financial independence and move to rth America.

split became official at end of March, and couple are currently in California, where Meghan was raised.

Proof of Prince Harry’s attachment to engine can also be seen in photos of his first day attending nursery in September 1987, where he is seen carrying a Thomas Tank Engine bag.

Rev. Wilbert Awdry released first book in “ Railway Series” 75 years ago. It was originally created as a bedtime story for his son, Christopher, during a bout of measles.

plucky blue tank engine doesn’t appear in debut story. He got his own illustrated book in 1946 called “Thomas Tank Engine” and swiftly took over from Edward, Gordon and Henry as everyone’s favorite.

train tales were turned into a stop-motion animation series in ’80s, moving into CGI in 2009. “Thomas and Friends,” owned by Mattel, is w on air in over 160 countries worldwide.

British actress Rosamund Pike is also onboard “Thomas and Friends: Royal Engine,” voicing a new character, an important train called Duchess of Loughborough.

show will be aired by Netflix in U.S. on May 1 and on Channel 5′s “Milkshake” show in U.K. following day. It will also be brocast in Cana and Australia later in month.