Queen's Martini and Velamints: Flight Attendant's Notes Reveal Royal Travel Rituals
A flight attendant who once served Queen Elizabeth II during a royal tour of Singapore and Malaysia has revealed intimate details about the monarch's in-flight preferences in her personal notes, set to be auctioned this week.
Elizabeth Evans, who worked for British Airways for 28 years, documented her experience accompanying the Queen and Prince Philip on a British Airways Royal Flight in 1989. Her notes, which are expected to fetch between £400 and £600 at auction, offer a glimpse into the royal couple's travel habits.
Evans reveals that Queen Elizabeth II enjoyed a martini before welcoming guests on board, highlighting a touch of pre-flight ritual. The Queen also requested a bowl of Velamints, a popular British mint confection, to be readily available both before take-off and in her dressing room.
The notes further detail the Queen's sleeping arrangements, emphasizing the importance of undisturbed rest during her travels. Evans writes that the Queen's dresser prepared her bed, and cabin crew were instructed not to wake her upon arrival if she was asleep. "If Her Majesty was asleep prior to landing cabin crew were instructed not to disturb her. She should be left in her bed," Hansons Auctioneers, who are handling the sale, stated, quoting Evans' notes.
Beyond her royal encounters, Evans' collection also features memorabilia from her time serving celebrities aboard the Concorde, the world's first supersonic passenger jet. These include photographs and other artefacts, offering a glimpse into the glamour and excitement of air travel in its golden era.
Evans' notes provide a fascinating insight into the Queen's personal preferences and the protocols surrounding royal travel. They serve as a reminder of the meticulous planning and attention to detail required for such journeys, as well as the importance of ensuring the Queen's comfort and privacy during her travels. The auction of her collection is sure to attract considerable interest from royal enthusiasts and aviation historians alike.
