The detail emerged in an unexpected setting. During Love Island All Stars, former flight attendant Helena Ford shared her experience of having the royal couple onboard. While chatting with fellow contestant Belle Hassan, Helena revealed that William and Kate are not permitted to fly in the highest cabin class when travelling on public flights funded by the Government.
According to Helena, if a flight offers First Class, the couple must book Business Class instead. If First Class is not available, they would travel in the next highest cabin, often referred to as Traveller’s Plus or Premium Economy. She explained that during one flight she worked on, First Class was available, so they were seated in Business as required.
Helena also claimed that Business Class on that occasion was largely occupied by security personnel, and that the royals travelled under alternative names to maintain privacy. She described them as polite and pleasant passengers, adding that she had also served celebrities such as Stormzy and Hugh Grant during her time as cabin crew.
How royal travel is funded
