As part of their royal duty, the Royal Family have to embark on hundreds of trips around the world in their lifetime. This is usually made easier by the Royal Plane – a private aircraft which jets the family around the globe to important events and appearances. Unsurprisingly, having their own private plane comes with it’s own perks. Aside not having to wait in long security lines and an unlimited number of bags, it seems the Royal Family can invite onboard any guests they wish-including some unlikely passengers.
According a recently premiered Channel 5 documentary, the Queen and Prince Phillip aren’t the only frequent fliers aboard the Royal Plane.
During the programme ‘Secrets of the Royal Flight’, a former Navigator of the Queen’s Flight revealed that there are also often a number of furrier guests alongside the family.
Bob Shields said: “Occasionally, as well as our very important royal passengers, we might have some very important royal dogs.”
It’s no surprise that the Queen might request her beloved pets to come along for the journey, as she is renowned for her deep affinity for Corgis.
From a young age Queen Elizabeth has been fond of the four legged creatures, rumoured to have owned more than 30 corgis since she was crowned Monarch.
In 2007 she is believed to have had five corgis named Monty, Emma, Linnet, Willow and Holly.
They were joined by five cocker spaniels: Bisto, Oxo, Flash, Spick and Span, and an additional four dachshund-corgi crossbreeds: Cider, Berry Vulcan and Candy.
Staff on board the Royal Plane certainly had their hands full.
“The household member of staff would be seen taking the dogs to the grass and pleading with the dogs to please do their business before they went on board the aeroplane, continued Shields.
“I am delighted to say we never had one accident.”
The programme also revealed the shocking amount of luggage the Queen has been known to travel with while on duty.
According to the shows narrator: “For her 44,000 mile commonwealth tour in 1953 The Queen’s luggage weighed 12 tonnes.”
To put that into perspective, that is roughly the same as two large elephants.
However, the Queen isn’t the only one with an affinity for fashion.
Reportedly the Duchess of Cambridge has her own preferences for transporting her fashion-rumoured to have a seat reserved for each of her dresses.
