A former British Airways flight attendant, Elizabeth Evans, who once served Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, has left behind fascinating insights into the monarch’s in-flight habits.
As her collection heads to auction, Evans’ notes offer a rare glimpse into the travel routines of the late Queen.
In 1989, during a British Airways Royal Flight to Singapore and Malaysia, Evans had the honour of attending Queen Elizabeth II.According to her notes, the Queen had a few specific preferences while flying.
Before meeting guests mid-air, Her Majesty would often enjoy a martini—a ritual that Evans noted with admiration. “The Queen tends to like a martini before her guests arrive,” Evans wrote.
Comfort was paramount for the Queen during her travels. She would bring her pillows aboard the plane to ensure a good night’s sleep. Evans also revealed that the Queen had a fondness for Velamints, which she would request to have on hand before takeoff and in her dressing room, quoted New York Post.
The monarch’s privacy was strictly respected; if she was asleep when the plane landed, the cabin crew were instructed not to disturb her, allowing her to remain in bed until she awoke naturally.
Elizabeth Evans, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 70, had an illustrious 28-year career with British Airways, during which she also served numerous celebrities aboard the Concorde, the world’s first commercial supersonic airliner. To commemorate her service on the Royal Flight, she was awarded a special certificate, which is part of the memorabilia set to be auctioned, stated New York Post.
Hansons Auctioneers, the auction house handling the sale, estimates the value of Evans’ collection at between $500 and $760. The auction offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of royal history and a glimpse into the life of the world’s longest-reigning monarch.
As her collection heads to auction, Evans’ notes offer a rare glimpse into the travel routines of the late Queen.
In 1989, during a British Airways Royal Flight to Singapore and Malaysia, Evans had the honour of attending Queen Elizabeth II.According to her notes, the Queen had a few specific preferences while flying.
Before meeting guests mid-air, Her Majesty would often enjoy a martini—a ritual that Evans noted with admiration. “The Queen tends to like a martini before her guests arrive,” Evans wrote.
Comfort was paramount for the Queen during her travels. She would bring her pillows aboard the plane to ensure a good night’s sleep. Evans also revealed that the Queen had a fondness for Velamints, which she would request to have on hand before takeoff and in her dressing room, quoted New York Post.
The monarch’s privacy was strictly respected; if she was asleep when the plane landed, the cabin crew were instructed not to disturb her, allowing her to remain in bed until she awoke naturally.
Elizabeth Evans, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 70, had an illustrious 28-year career with British Airways, during which she also served numerous celebrities aboard the Concorde, the world’s first commercial supersonic airliner. To commemorate her service on the Royal Flight, she was awarded a special certificate, which is part of the memorabilia set to be auctioned, stated New York Post.
Hansons Auctioneers, the auction house handling the sale, estimates the value of Evans’ collection at between $500 and $760. The auction offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of royal history and a glimpse into the life of the world’s longest-reigning monarch.
