King Charles is known for his eccentricities, and his travel habits are no exception. According to royal author Tom Bower's bestseller Rebel King, the monarch travels with an array of unusual items, including his own bed, toilet seat, and luxury toilet paper. During a visit to the North East of England, Charles sent staff ahead with a truck carrying furniture to replace the guest room fittings, including his orthopaedic bed and linen.
Bower wrote that the truck also contained a small radio, Charles's own lavatory seat, rolls of Kleenex Premium Comfort lavatory paper, Laphroaig whisky, and bottled water for both bedrooms, plus two landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Additionally, Charles travels with his own organic food, which led hosts to decide not to invite him again despite enjoying his company.
Royal insider Tina Brown, in her biography The Palace Papers, revealed that Charles would sometimes arrive at dinner parties with a premixed martini carried by his protection officer, to be served in his own glass. Unlike the late Queen, who always ate what was served, Charles stipulated his menu preferences upfront.
Perhaps the most surprising item Charles travels with is a bag of his own blood. As standard practice for the monarch on overseas engagements, he carries a supply of his blood to ensure an exact match in case of a transfusion. Former press secretary Dickie Arbiter explained that this covers every eventuality, as there is no guarantee of finding the right blood type at the destination.
Another royal travel necessity is a black outfit, packed in case a family member passes away while abroad. These revelations shed light on the meticulous planning behind royal travel, blending comfort, protocol, and preparedness.
