The Prince and Princess of Wales use this 'secret' airport suite when they fly
Fancy.
The royal family has some very specific rules when it comes to travelling abroad. While some of their flight requests sound fairly unusual to us economy cabin passengers - such as Kate Middleton's dresses getting their own seats or the late Queen Elizabeth II bringing her own special teabags - the majority of the royal regulations are in place for the family's safety. One of the most well-known is that heirs cannot travel together in order to protect the line of succession - meaning that Prince George may have to fly separately when he turns 12 next year - and members of the monarchy are also forbidden from eating certain foods as an additional health measure.
So if you've ever wondered how the Prince and Princess of Wales are able to fly without being spotted, and why they're never seen pacing at the gate even when they've been known to take commercial flights on budget airlines, it's down to the fact that the royal couple reportedly uses a 'secret' VIP suite when they travel from London Heathrow. As reported by OK! magazine, the luxury lounge is populated by almost 100 staff and boasts everything from a Michelin star menu to a private shoppers and a secret entrance with a chauffeur service.
According to the report, the Heathrow VIP service is often used by celebrities and public figures to offer privacy and security. Private doormen organise the luggage, and guests even have their own dedicated security and customs processes. Fancy.
Groups don't have to share the 5 star treatment with other VIPs, either. William and Kate would have their own private lounge room, complete with comfy sofas and a TV, and would be free to order dinner from a gold standard menu. Head of the Heathrow VIP service Priya Malhotra told Business Insider: "You can order from the menu as much as you want. You can even order the entire menu and drink me out of Dom - please do so, but I might be grumpy."
So, how much does it cost to enjoy this ultra-luxe experience? Anyone who holds a first or business class ticket can upgrade to the VIP package for £2,750 (which is estimated to be £3,300 with VAT) one way.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Jadie Troy-Pryde is News Editor, covering celebrity and entertainment, royal, lifestyle and viral news. Before joining the team in 2018 as the Lifestyle and Social Media Editor, she worked at a number of women’s fashion and lifestyle titles including Grazia, Women’s Health and Stylist, and now heads the Marie Claire UK news desk.
-
Donald Trump Is back in power—Why didn’t more people join the Women's March this year?
“I am feeling the fatigue and weight of the challenge ahead of us, when it feels like we have already been fighting for so long.”
By Mischa Anouk Smith
-
A popular theory around the upcoming Traitors twist is going viral
By Jenny Proudfoot
-
Princess Kate is reportedly “the glue” between two key royal family members
By Jenny Proudfoot
-
Kate shares the 'tough' reality and 'long term effects' of her cancer treatment
By Jadie Troy-Pryde
-
Princess Charlotte has reportedly had a change of heart about dad William's beard
An image consultant in the making!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The unexpected royals Prince William could call on for help
They've got a great relationship
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Why sources claim William will be the 'toughest ruler' the royals have 'ever seen'
By Jadie Troy-Pryde
-
The significance behind William's message for Kate in her latest birthday portrait
By Jadie Troy-Pryde
-
King Charles' reconciliation with Prince Harry is reportedly 'being blocked' by William
It's a complex situation
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The rumoured royal Christmas dinner guest list has been shared after talk of William and Kate's absence from annual lunch
Oh to be a fly on that wall...
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate's carol service was missing one important member of the family
By Jadie Troy-Pryde