Queen's Flying Habits Revealed
- A flight attendant who worked for British Airways for 28 years has revealed the late monarch's flying habits.
- The attendant has collected memorabilia from 1970 that sheds light on the Queen's air travels.
- This news unveils interesting insights into the Queen's past air journeys.
New insights into Queen Elizabeth II's travel habits have emerged from the memorabilia of Elizabeth Evans, a former flight attendant who served the royal family during her nearly 30-year career with British Airways. Notably, the Queen enjoyed a martini before meeting guests on royal flights and had specific requests for her comfort, including a particular type of mint and her own pillows. These details were part of a meticulous set of instructions provided to cabin crew during royal journeys, such as the Queen and Prince Philip's 1989 tour of Singapore and Malaysia. Evans' collection highlights the importance of protocol when serving the royal couple. Flight attendants were instructed to coordinate with the Queen's dresser to ensure her bed was prepared to her liking and to have a bowl of Velamints ready for her before takeoff. Additionally, staff were reminded to inform guests about cocktail service times and to consult the Queen on her wine preferences for dinner. Royal sommelier Demetri Walters noted that while the Queen enjoyed her martini, she had to be cautious with alcohol consumption due to her busy schedule of royal engagements. The archive also features other notable personalities, including Rod Stewart and Arnold Schwarzenegger, showcasing the high-profile nature of the flights. Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, emphasized the significance of Evans' collection, which reflects the luxurious era of air travel in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, when flying on Concorde was a privilege for the elite, including royalty.