The Royal Family were some of the first to adopt the use of helicopters into their travel methods, according to a Channel 5 documentary. In fact, that’s to its “speedy”, the helicopter rapidly became a favourite mode of travel for royals including Princess Diana.
Speaking during ’Secrets of the Royal Flight’, aviation journalist Keith Wilson said: “The Royal Family were very early users of helicopters.”
The documentary narrator added: “Easy, speedy and perfect for short domestic trips anywhere around the UK for many years the Windsors relied on the bespoke royal Wessex of the Queen’s flight.”
However, though their luxuriously revamped Wessex helicopter was great for quick domestic journeys, there were some rather unfortunate downsides.
Former royal engineer Barry Kelly revealed a rather “hilarious” blunder during one journey he made during which he was acting both as engineer and steward onboard the helicopter.
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Mr Kelly continued: “On one instance we were flying a very senior member of the royal family. He asked me could he have an egg sandwich.
“I said: ‘Of course sir.’ So stand up, walked up to the table.
There were papers all over the desk and he said: ‘Well put it on the end.’
“I said: ‘It is going to fall off.’
He said: ‘No put it on the end.’
“And then I just sat back and watched it from here go flop on the floor.
The helicopter, which was adopted into the family in 1950 was complete with aeroplane-style cosy seats and even tables
Mr Kelly explained: “A normal Wessex has none of this.
“There is lots of whirring and noises and hydraulic oil dripping on everybody.
“It is not a very pleasant place to be but these aircraft, they are soundproof, they’ve got carpets, they’ve got velour on the walls and it is really quite comfortable.”