I remember having to set up the protocol for a senior member of a Royal Family who flew on one of our flights a few years ago. One of the toadies assigned to liaise with the airline actually asked whether in the case of an emergency we would require HRH to share a life raft with other passengers. Also, in the case of depressurisation, he wanted to ensure that proper protocol was followed and that other pax refrained from donning their masks until HRH had done so. I laughed initially but then realised he was completely serious. He was gently told to sod off.

HRH himself was absolutely charming and unpretentious. If it wasn't for the red carpets and valets and fussing about around him, you wouldnt have been able to tell him apart from anyone else in the Business Class cabin.

Moral of the story : sometimes "First Class" is dictated by the way you conduct yourself and not by your seat assignment.