Imagine taking a flight with members of the royal family, including the future King of England.
Well that’s a claim to fame around 100 English passengers can now make after Prince William, Kate and their children took a budget flight in the UK on Thursday morning.
Flyers on the regular FlyBe connection from the English city of Norwich to Aberdeen in Scotland were blissfully unaware they were in the company of the royals until they boarded at the last minute.
The chance spotting comes amid the ongoing furore surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and their use of private jets.
This week the Duke and Duchess of Sussex took their fourth flight by private jet in the space of four days, flying in the face of their eco-conscious brand and undermining their perception as advocates for climate change.
Prince William and Kate ‘go budget’
In stark contrast, the future King of England, along with wife Kate and their children, were seen on the economy FlyBe flight from Norwich to Aberdeen on Thursday morning (local time).
It’s believed the family are visiting the Queen at Balmoral.
A quick search on FlyBe’s website shows that a ticket on that route costs around £75.
A passenger on the flight told The Daily Mail, “the family were sat right at the front. I fly this route all the time and we were none the wiser. No-one knew they were on the flight.”
Another told the Express, “They weren’t harassed by anyone at all as they got off the plane. They just seemed like a family traveling together, to be honest.”
Harry and Meghan’s flights of fantasy
The frugal flight to Scotland has further highlighted Harry and Meghan’s more opulent means of travel, and the message it sends.
Over the past two weeks, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been labeled “hypocrites” for taking four private jets in quick succession, despite being active campaigners for climate sustainability and environmental issues.
One royal expert says the dilemma shows they simply ‘can’t win’.
Critics have been quick to point out the environmental cost of their two recent trips, the first being a jaunt to Ibiza to celebrate Markle’s 38th birthday, followed by a holiday in Nice which was arranged and paid for by Elton John.
After a hectic year continuing their hard work and dedication to charity, David and I wanted the young family to have a private holiday inside the safety and tranquility of our home. To maintain a high level of much-needed protection, we provided them with a private jet flight.
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 19, 2019
The singer announced publicly that he sent his own jet to carry the royal couple and made and an appropriate contribution to Carbon Footprint.
However, that hasn’t appeared to improve public perception of the pair in some quarters, with many critics questioning whether they can keep their eco-warrior badge.
Memo to ‘eco-warriors’ Meghan & Harry: this is what Economy to Nice looks like. Try it some time. @British_Airways #ManOfThePeople pic.twitter.com/yDT4CElrN4
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 20, 2019
That view will only be dimmed further after the second-in-line to the throne was seen flying his family by more economical means.
More from MiNDFOOD on Harry and Meghan’s jet debacle:
Harry and Meghan ‘can’t win’, critics refuse to cool their jets
Elton John reveals he flew Harry and Meghan to Nice on his own jet
Harry and Meghan court controversy for flying by private jet to Ibizia
