Prince William and Kate Middleton Don't Use Helicopters as Much Now Because the Queen Was "Uncomfortable" With It, Apparently
They were flying from Anmer Hall to Kensington Palace a lot.
Apparently, Prince William and Kate Middleton aren't flying in helicopters from Kensington Palace to Anmer Hall as much these days, and the Queen may have had something to do with it.
According to royal commentator Richard Palmer, there was the Firm's general "unhappiness" at the Cambridges' back and forth journeys on a chopper, but this was also exacerbated by the release of the royal spending report last week.
"I mean, I think they've been curtailed with [flying in a helicopter] a little bit," Palmer told Express.
"I think the Queen felt, certainty let it be known, that she felt uncomfortable about the entire family travelling by helicopter."
This is partly because heirs to the throne shouldn't travel together, per a well-established royal rule, in case there should be an accident.
Commenting on this element of it, Palmer said, "For whatever reason, the Queen let it be known that she was worried about the Cambridges traveling as a family by helicoper because of the possibilty of a crash."
This could potentially mean the "third, fourth, fifth in line to throne being wiped out in the crash," the expert explained. Prince George is currently third in line, Princess Charlotte fourth, and Prince Louis fifth. Bit macabre, but OK.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Elsewhere, Palmer said, "I think there was partly a bit more going on behind the scenes.
"I think there was a little bit of official unhappiness about the amount of time that the Cambridges were spending traveling between Anmer Hall in Norfolk and Kensington Palace, their London residence, using helicopters.
"People in the Cambridges' camp would say actually that didn't happen very often at all.
"Other people seemed to imply that it was happening a bit more than the Queen wanted it to happen."
The Queen has a bit of a history with not loving to see Prince William on a chopper. The Duke of Cambridge is a trained helicopter pilot, and previously served in the Royal Air Force. Back in 2021, a source told The Sun, "Her Majesty has told close friends and courtiers that she would like William to stop flying himself, particularly in bad weather, as helicopters are not the safest form of transport. It keeps the Queen awake at night and she is understandably very worried."
I think we would all agree that there's no sense in worrying the Queen unnecessarily.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Chrishell Stause Will Play the Villain If She Needs To
The 'Selling Sunset' star has achieved what few (maybe no one) in the reality TV genre has: being a longtime fan favorite. But with her appearance on season 3 of 'Traitors,' she's ready to make enemies and get a little scrappy.
By Brian Moylan Published
-
This Unexpected Royal is Richer Than The King
The top three people on this list might surprise you.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Sydney Sweeney Winterizes a Plunging Mini Dress With a Sheer Turtleneck and a Fur-Lined Penny Lane Coat
The star layered all her favorite cold-weather trends for a night on Broadway.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
This Unexpected Royal is Richer Than The King
The top three people on this list might surprise you.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Why Royal Courtiers Allegedly Gave Prince Harry and Prince Andrew Unexpected 'Dukes of Hazzard' Nicknames
A royal expert claimed the nicknames—inspired by the famous TV show—relate to King Charles.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
These Royals Could Step Up to Help Prince William When He's King "If He Calls on Them"
Three members of the Royal Family are likely to pitch in with duties down the line.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Why King Charles "Refuses" to Give Kate Middleton Advice About Becoming Queen
"For much of the same reason, Camilla has not felt compelled to speak with Kate about what it's like to be queen."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Will This Major Red Carpet Moment be Princess Kate's First Appearance of 2025?
"We have been told that she wouldn't want to miss it, so she's hoping to be there with William."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Don't Expect Princess Kate to "Return to the All Trouser Suits, All the Time" Aesthetic in 2025, Per Royal Fashion Experts
Royal style gurus Christine Ross and Susan Kelley share their fashion predictions with 'Marie Claire.'
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Kate Middleton Reportedly Acts as the “Glue” When Prince William and King Charles Don’t See Eye-to-Eye
"She is solution-focused and is certainly the glue between Prince William and King Charles III."
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
What Prince William’s Birthday Tribute to Kate Middleton Reveals About How Her Cancer Diagnosis Has Affected Their Relationship
A royal expert unpacked the meaning behind the "'heartfelt" post.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published