Her last international flight was to Malta in 2015, and during her lifetime she visited 117 countries.
Being one of the most famous travelers in the world, the queen had several specific preferences and habits on the plane – from practical to quite unusual. The “Daily Mail” revealed what Elizabeth II requested during flights.
Drink before the flight
Many frequent travelers have a time-tested travel routine – some have a pint of beer and a “Greggs” sausage roll at the airport, others choose coffee with a croissant.
The queen’s habit was somewhat similar – her flight would start with a drink.
Details about the queen’s flight habits emerged from a collection of memorabilia gathered by a former “British Airways” flight attendant. She worked at this company for 28 years since the 1980s.
Elizabeth Evans, who lived in Birmingham, served many famous people during her career. One of her most memorable trips was the 1989 visit of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip to Singapore and Malaysia.
One note in E. Evans’ collection stated: “Her Majesty usually likes to have a martini.”
A bowl of sugar-free mint lozenges
Another note instructed flight attendants to ensure that a bowl of mint lozenges was placed next to the queen before takeoff. The same bowl was to be in her dressing room.
The queen liked “Velamints” – sugar-free mint lozenges that appeared in the United States in 1977.
This brand is considered the first sugar-free mint lozenges in the US. They are sweetened with natural sweeteners, such as stevia.
Her own pillows
Pillows are one of the items passengers often complain about on planes – many find them uncomfortable.
Although Queen Elizabeth probably traveled in much more comfortable conditions than regular passengers, she still took her own pillows on the plane to be able to sleep well.
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Flight attendants who worked on her flights received specific instructions on how to take care of Queen Elizabeth II. Among them was the task to cooperate with Her Majesty’s wardrobe supervisor to ensure the queen’s bed was properly prepared.
“The queen has her own pillows,” one note in the collection reads.
Undisturbed rest
This was not the only sleep-related request of the queen.
“British Airways” staff on the “Concorde” plane, on which Queen Elizabeth flew, were instructed: if she was still sleeping during landing, she was not to be woken – she had to be left in bed.
Additionally, the queen requested silence while she slept.
It is reported that the crew was not allowed to enter the royal cabin without permission, and noise was to be avoided in the front galley.
Favorite water
Maintaining fluid balance during the flight is important, and Her Majesty had one favorite brand of water.
It is said that wherever the queen traveled, she requested a specific water – “Malvern” spring water.
Former royal family spokesperson Dickie Arbiter said: “The only thing the queen asks to have everywhere she goes is ‘Malvern’ water. She likes ‘Malvern’ water, it’s refreshing, and usually a lot is taken.”
Secret weapon against jet lag
To overcome jet lag, the queen reportedly consumed barley sugar sweets – hard candies.
The “Channel 5” documentary “Secrets Of The Royal Flight” describes barley sugar sweets as the queen’s “secret weapon.”
Although the effectiveness of this method is not scientifically proven, some reports explain that the sweet snack may help the body adjust to the changed daily rhythm.
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