Secrets of Royal Travel

-

Narrator

For many regal journeys, the stately private jet was the Royal family's obvious transport of choice, (upbeat music) But flying fixed wing is not a royals only option. They're also partial to a trip in a cheeky chopper. In fact, having had their own from the late 1950s, our monarchy were actually some of the first in the country to adopt this rather wobbly way to fly. Even when they weren't traveling in it themselves, The royal family were very early users of helicopters. While they were staying up in Balmoral, the mail could be delivered by helicopter on a daily basis. -

Narrator

Easy, speedy and perfect for short domestic trips anywhere around the UK. For many years, the Windsors relied on the bespoke Royal Wessex of the Queen's flight. Princess Diana was an early fan. Diana would visit North Sea oil platforms and the helicopter would actually land directly on the platform. She would make her visit and then be flown back to Balmoral wherever her starting point was. -

Announcer

The smiling Princess arrived in what everybody's wearing this season out here, steel toe capped boots under rubberized survival suit. (upbeat music) -

Narrator

One of the first helicopters used regularly by the family now resides in London's RAF Museum. Here's the old girl. Exactly as I remember her 33 years ago. -

Narrator

Barry Kelly spent many years serving as an engineer across all aircraft in the Queen's flight, but he always had a soft spot for the specially fitted royal helicopters. A Normal Wessex has none of this, there's lots of whirring and noises and hydraulic oil dripping on everybody. It's not a very pleasant place to be but these aircraft they're soundproofed, they got carpets. They got velo on the walls and it's really quite comfortable.