Introduction
Travelling in style is a way of life for the British royal family. With their own private jet at their disposal, they jet off to various destinations across the globe, ensuring they do it with utmost luxury and comfort. In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of the royals' private travels, shedding light on some intriguing facts that make their travel lifestyle so awe-inspiring. From security measures to unique packing strategies, let's explore what it's like to travel like royalty.
1. No Two Heirs Fly Together
The royal family has an unofficial rule that prohibits two royal heirs from flying together. This precautionary measure is in place to safeguard the royal lineage. If a plane were to encounter an unfortunate event, losing both heirs would be a significant blow to the country. While this rule is generally followed, Prince William has been known to break it on occasion, choosing to travel with his son.
2. Security Teams Are a Must
When the royals travel, they never fly without a dedicated security team. This is especially true when they opt for commercial flights. During their trip to Los Angeles in 2011, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were accompanied by a team of seven security personnel. Similarly, when they embarked on their journey Down Under, their entourage consisted of eleven security professionals. Safety is paramount for the royal family, both in the air and on the ground.
3. Passports Are a Necessity
Despite their fame and influence, the royal family members are not exempt from passport control and immigration procedures. Each member must present their passport when entering a foreign country. Even Queen Elizabeth, although she is the only royal without a passport, still undergoes identity checks when leaving or entering Britain. This serves as a reminder that even the most prominent figures must adhere to standard travel protocols.
4. Always Traveling in Style
The royal family's commitment to looking impeccable extends to their travel attire. Whether flying privately or commercially, they are always seen disembarking from planes in their finest attire. Unlike regular travelers who may opt for casual or comfortable clothing, the royals understand the importance of maintaining a polished image at all times. After all, they are global ambassadors for the United Kingdom.
5. Luxury at a Price
Flying privately comes with a hefty price tag, and the royal family's numerous business and leisure trips accumulate significant costs. For instance, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's trip to Fiji and Tonga amounted to approximately $100,000, while Prince William and Kate Middleton's Caribbean getaway cost over half a million dollars. These figures highlight the extravagant nature of their private travels.
6. Packing for Every Occasion
When it comes to packing, the royal family follows a specific protocol. They always bring along a black outfit, regardless of the destination. This tradition stems from the Queen's own experience when her father passed away while she was abroad in 1952. Upon her return, she had to wait for mourning attire to be provided before leaving the plane. This practice ensures that the royals are prepared for any somber occasions that may arise during their travels.
7. Commercial Flights: Occasional Exceptions
While the royal family frequently opts for private flights, there have been instances where they have chosen to travel commercially. Prince William and Kate Middleton have been spotted boarding commercial planes, showing that they are not above blending in with fellow passengers. However, Queen Elizabeth exclusively travels via private jet, prioritizing comfort and security.
8. Traveling with Personal Blood Bags
The Queen and Prince Charles always travel with their own bags of blood. This may seem peculiar, but it serves a purpose. Accompanied by their royal physician, the royal family ensures they have access to their own blood supply in case of emergencies or if they require additional red blood cells. This precautionary measure guarantees that they receive immediate medical attention, regardless of their location.
9. Short Stops and Quick Exits
Many of the royal family's trips are short and focused on official business. As a result, they often make quick entrances and exits, sometimes spending just an hour or two on-site. To accommodate these brief visits, they rely on private helicopters or planes, allowing for efficient and timely travel. However, such constant movement can undoubtedly be exhausting for the royals.
10. BYOB: Bring Your Own Booze
King Charles and his wife, Camilla Parker-Bowles, have been known to bring their own alcoholic beverages on their trips. Whether it's gin for the King or red wine for the Duchess, they prefer to have their favorite drinks on hand. To ensure the safety of their beverages, their bodyguards carry bags solely dedicated to transporting their preferred libations.
11. The Environmental Impact of Private Travel
In recent times, the royal family has faced criticism for their use of private jets. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, in particular, received backlash for taking four private jet journeys in just eleven days. This sparked concerns about their carbon footprint and the impact of their travel choices. As a response, the royal household has made efforts to seek more eco-friendly alternatives for their travels.
12. Monogrammed and Color-Coded Luggage
To avoid any confusion or mix-ups, the royal family ensures that their luggage is easily identifiable. With numerous items to transport, it is crucial to keep track of each family member's belongings. Kate, William, and their children have color-coded tags on their suitcases, making it simpler to distinguish their luggage from one another.
13. King Charles: The Highest Travel Expenditure
Within the royal family, King Charles surpasses all others in terms of travel expenses. He allocates the most significant portion of the family's budget to air travel. Following closely behind is Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, with Queen Elizabeth ranking third. Overall, the family spends nearly three million dollars annually on official travel, which is funded by taxpayers.
14. Borrowing Jets from Friends
When it comes to borrowing a private jet, the royal family has connections. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle once borrowed the private jet of their close friend, Sir Elton John, during their trip to Nice. As a dear friend of Harry's late mother, Princess Diana, Sir Elton John felt compelled to extend his generosity and offered his home and plane for the couple's relaxation and rest.
15. Private Jets vs. Helicopters
While private jets are the preferred mode of travel for longer journeys, the royal family often opts for helicopters for shorter trips. Helicopters provide greater flexibility for quick and efficient travel, especially when the family needs to make brief appearances for official engagements. Both private jets and helicopters offer the royals the convenience and luxury they require.
16. International Travel: The Charter Jet Choice
When the royal family embarks on international travel, they predominantly rely on chartered jets. In 2019 alone, they accumulated 207 helicopter trips and 56 chartered jet flights. Given the distances they cover, utilizing chartered jets allows them to travel comfortably and efficiently, ensuring they can fulfill their global commitments.
17. Luxurious Amenities on Charles' Jet
King Charles' private jet, the Airbus A320-232, boasts an array of luxurious amenities. This aircraft features a large double bed, perfect for catching some rest during long flights. Additionally, it is equipped with a private bathroom where the royals can freshen up with a quick shower. These amenities ensure that the royal family can travel in utmost comfort and style.
18. The Airbus A320-232: Fit for Royalty
The Airbus A320-232, chosen by King Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles during their travels, offers a truly regal experience. Originally designed to accommodate up to 180 people, this jet has been reconfigured to comfortably seat around 26 individuals. This exclusivity allows the royal family to enjoy privacy and personalized service during their flights.
19. Connectivity and Entertainment in the Skies
The Airbus A320-232 provides the royal family with a seamless travel experience. With onboard Wi-Fi and satellite phones, they can stay connected and conduct business while flying. Moreover, the aircraft boasts over 200 on-demand movies, ensuring that the royals are entertained throughout their journey. These amenities ensure that their time in the air is both productive and enjoyable.
Conclusion
Travelling like royalty is a privilege reserved for a select few, and the British royal family certainly knows how to make the most of it. From adhering to strict security measures to enjoying luxurious amenities onboard, their private jet travel offers a glimpse into a world of extravagance and elegance. While their travel choices may attract scrutiny at times, the royal family continues to adapt and seek more sustainable options. Regardless, their private travels remain a symbol of their status and a testament to their commitment to representing the United Kingdom with grace and style.