Ex-Flight Attendant Reveals Royal Travel Rule for William and Kate

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An ex-flight attendant named Helena Ford revealed on the reality TV show Love Island All Stars that Prince William and Princess Kate are not allowed to fly in first class when their travel is funded by the government. Instead, they must fly in business class, with their security detail occupying the rest of the business class cabin. Ford also said the royal couple uses fake names to travel incognito.

Why it matters

This insight into the royal family's travel protocols provides a rare glimpse into the restrictions and precautions they must take when flying, even as high-profile public figures. It highlights the unique challenges they face in balancing their public duties with maintaining privacy and security.

The details

According to Ford, the rule prohibiting William and Kate from flying first class when their travel is government-funded is part of the Sovereign Grant Act 2011, which governs the funding of the royal family's official duties. When the couple does fly, their entire business class cabin is occupied by their security personnel, and they use fake names to travel incognito.

• In 2015, Prince William was spotted by a passenger on a Ryanair flight from Norfolk to Scotland.
• In 2019, William and Kate were seen flying with their two eldest children on a Flybe flight to Balmoral.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The royal family's travel protocols and security measures are likely to continue being a topic of public interest, especially as William and Kate take on more high-profile duties as the future King and Queen Consort.