A former British Airways flight attendant has revealed an unusual rule followed by Princess Catherine and Prince William, describing it as “totally shocking.” Helena Ford, who also appeared on Love Island, shared the details on the Private Parts podcast.
Royals Banned From First Class
Ford said the Prince and Princess of Wales are not allowed to fly in the “highest cabin” available on commercial flights. Speaking to Hello! Magazine, she explained: “I think there is a thing in place where they can't fly in the highest cabin, so if there's a first class, they have to sit in business, and if there isn't a first class, they have to sit in Traveller Plus.”
Ford recalled a flight she worked on where William and Catherine were seated in business class. She said: “When we had Will and Kate, it was in Business because we had First—but the whole of Business was security dressed as normal people, so you wouldn't know.”
Security and Travel Arrangements
According to the Royal Observer, British Airways is the first choice for the royals when travelling. Ford added that she did not know why the royals could not sit in the highest cabin, and noted that other high-profile figures face similar restrictions. She said: “So I've had Boris Johnson on a flight in Traveller Plus before. They can't sit in the highest cabin.”
Ford also said “they all have fake names” when flying in this way. There are also rules in place to ensure senior royals travel separately, in case anything unfortunate happens during their journey. However, the Wales family have been travelling together in recent years because it is not economical or cost-effective to use two aircraft every time they travel.
A royal spokesman reportedly said in 2014: “While there is no official rule on this, it is something that the Queen has the final say on.”
