The royal family doesn’t have one perk most assume. While many are aware that royal heirs shouldn’t travel on the same flight in case of an accident, there appears to be another rule. Ex-British Airways flight attendant Helena Forde has revealed an interesting caveat to Prince William and Kate Middleton’s flying practices.
In an interview on Olivia Bentley’s “Private Parts” podcast, Forde talked about her experience as part of the cabin crew on the royals’ flights. She also revealed other secrets to the “Made in Chelsea” star that shine a light on their security arrangements.
Prince William And Kate Middleton Are Kept Below First Class
In the podcast, Helena Forde claimed that the royals always travel one level below first class. According to her, security arranges for a section even lower if there isn’t a first class on the plane. The “Love Island” media personality told Bentley that she personally witnessed this as part of the British Airways cabin crew.
Incidentally, Kate’s parents both worked for the same airline. Her mother, Carole, was a flight attendant, while her father worked as a flight dispatcher. The pair met on the job in the late 1970s before starting their party-supply company, Party Pieces.
“I think there is a thing in place where they can’t fly in the highest cabin, so if there’s a first class, they have to sit in business,” Forde stated in the podcast, “and if there isn’t a first class, they have to sit in Traveller Plus.”
Forde also detailed how the royals’ security detail works. The former flight attendant also made claims about other high-security passengers she saw on her job.
Prince William And Kate Middleton’s Security Team Pose As Civilians
Although many have guessed that the royals are flanked by security at all times, Helena Forde confirmed this assumption on her podcast. Forde, who formerly appeared on “Love Island,” said that the rest of the people in the cabin are security staff dressed as civilians.
“They can’t sit in the highest class.” Forde added, although she also emphasized that she was unsure of the reason, “but they all have fake names.”
Additionally, as she stated, this arrangement also applied to other powerful figures in the government. In her time with British Airways, she was part of trips featuring the strongest security detail. From her claims, it appears that this protocol might not be exclusive to the royal family.
“So I’ve had Boris Johnson on a flight in Traveller Plus before.” Forde said of the former UK Prime Minister.
Interest In Prince William And Kate Middleton’s Family Keeps Growing
Details behind the royal family’s arrangements have always been a point of interest. However, public intrigue has increased in recent times. This comes on the heels of the recent sighting of Prince George. Many have marveled at how much the 13-year-old has grown since his last public appearance.
The relocation of Prince William and Kate Middleton, both 44, is another publicized topic. The couple moved with their family to a new residence in 2025. The shift garnered much fascination, as the pair’s children are growing in the spotlight. The two are parents to 13-year-old Prince George, 11-year-old Princess Charlotte, and 8-year-old Prince Louis.
Interest in Prince George remains high because of the expectation that he will one day be king. Prince William’s eldest child is currently second in line for the throne after his father.
