Last month, two East Midlands Railway services collided near Bedford in Elstow

King Charles officially opened the British Transport Police's new headquarters in central London, commending the force for their "remarkable efforts" in safeguarding rail and underground networks nationwide.

During the ceremony, the monarch unveiled a commemorative plaque and addressed assembled staff, including Chief Constable Lucy D'Orsi.

"I'm very very pleased to be able to do this and, if I may say so, congratulate the whole of the British Transport Police for remarkable efforts all the time all over this country," he said.

The King added: "And I know from travelling for all these years what a difference they make."

He encountered officers from diverse BTP units, including firearms specialists, dog handlers, and drone operators.

The monarch also spoke with PC Dave Sheldrick, who was the first British Transport Police officer to arrive at the scene following the Bedfordshire train crash on June 19.

Two East Midlands Railway services collided near Bedford in Elstow, resulting in the death of train driver Shaun Burton and injuries to 162 passengers.

The King met with other BTP personnel who responded to the incident, including family liaison officers who supported those affected by the tragedy.

Officers working to combat violence against women and girls were also among those introduced to the head of state during his visit.

Mr Burton, 60, was killed when the trains collided at 49 miles per hour.

An interim report from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch determined that the driver had passed a red signal shortly before the collision occurred.

Of the 162 people hurt in the crash, 102 required hospital treatment for their injuries.

British Transport Police serves as the national force responsible for railway security, covering more than 10,000 miles of track and over 3,000 stations and depots throughout England, Wales and Scotland.

The force also provides policing for London Underground, the Docklands Light Railway, and various city metro and tram systems across the country.

Chief Constable Lucy D'Orsi addressed the King during the event, acknowledging his understanding of contemporary policing challenges.

"We are particularly grateful for your understanding of the efforts we make every day to tackle violence against women and girls, keep passengers and railway staff safe, and keep the railway moving," she said.

Ms D'Orsi also referenced the longstanding connection between the monarchy and Britain's railways, noting it spans more than 180 years.

She recalled Queen Victoria's inaugural train journey in 1842, quoting the monarch's observation that she was "quite charmed at the privacy and lack of dust", an early royal endorsement of rail travel.