Buckingham Palace Charters....
Sep 18, 2008, 12:33 am
#1
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Buckingham Palace Charters....
On the telly tonight was an old episode of Monarchy - I think it was called Headquarters - and there was mention of the charters the Buck House arranges. There was a scene of the Palace chap briefing the crew for an upcoming flight, asking "Nettie" if she still remembered how to mix HRH's gin and dubonnet. I did some searching and nothing popped up so I was wondering if anyone had any Tales From The Royal Galley and what are the chances that Pucci is Nettie????
Sep 18, 2008, 1:32 am
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On the telly tonight was an old episode of Monarchy - I think it was called Headquarters - and there was mention of the charters the Buck House arranges. There was a scene of the Palace chap briefing the crew for an upcoming flight, asking "Nettie" if she still remembered how to mix HRH's gin and dubonnet. I did some searching and nothing popped up so I was wondering if anyone had any Tales From The Royal Galley and what are the chances that Pucci is Nettie????
Sep 18, 2008, 2:28 am
#3
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We may tell tales about other flights, but you won't hear any juicy gossip about royal charters, we sign the official secrets act so it's more than our jobs worth (I wouldn't tell anyway)
CIHY
CIHY
Sep 18, 2008, 10:05 am
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I pretty much assumed that, but I was intrigued about a comment made on the programme about the removal of every other row of seats in First to make more legroom... (how much does one actually need???)
Also, on an extended trip I imagine crew scheduling and billetting must be an art in itself! Plus, is there a group of cabin and flight crew specifically trained and earmarked for these royal duties or does everyone get a crack?
Sep 18, 2008, 10:08 am
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If I remember that episode correctly, they were talking about removing rows of Club Europe seats on the shorthaul planes.
Sep 18, 2008, 2:33 pm
#6
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I pretty much assumed that, but I was intrigued about a comment made on the programme about the removal of every other row of seats in First to make more legroom... (how much does one actually need???)
Also, on an extended trip I imagine crew scheduling and billetting must be an art in itself! Plus, is there a group of cabin and flight crew specifically trained and earmarked for these royal duties or does everyone get a crack?
Also, on an extended trip I imagine crew scheduling and billetting must be an art in itself! Plus, is there a group of cabin and flight crew specifically trained and earmarked for these royal duties or does everyone get a crack?
The crew used are members of the "Crew Idiol" Team, the team change every 2 years. The original team members were nominated by other crew and the last group by BA card holders.
CIHY
Sep 18, 2008, 10:46 pm
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Sep 19, 2008, 2:36 am
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Sep 19, 2008, 2:39 am
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Sep 19, 2008, 2:42 am
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Allegedly there are also a couple of BA planes fitted with some additional 'safety' equipment for these flights. Allegedly.
Sep 19, 2008, 8:48 am
#12
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Technically I don't believe you actually sign the act, just a declaration.
</pedant>
Last edited by Dave_C; Sep 19, 2008 at 8:48 am Reason: I couldn't spell technically
Sep 20, 2008, 4:28 am
#13
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For longhaul flights, the First cabin used to be stripped out and a double bed installed along with a dressing table for Liz and a small dining table. Two (occasionally more) F-seats remained in-situ.
As I understand it, this practice has all but ended. Now the aircraft flies in usual config but with one or two minor changes to emergency equipment and soft furnishings.
That said, I've never been on a royal flight for a variety of reasons, though I hope to at some point.
As I understand it, this practice has all but ended. Now the aircraft flies in usual config but with one or two minor changes to emergency equipment and soft furnishings.
That said, I've never been on a royal flight for a variety of reasons, though I hope to at some point.
Sep 20, 2008, 5:34 am
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As a Parliamentary Statute, everyone in the UK is bound by the Official Secrets Act, signature or otherwise. Therefore the legal effect of signing it is a lot weaker than is popularly believed. However, I presume it is thought a good way to hammer home the seriousness of breaking it to those who might be in a position to; as well as weakening any defence to any prosecution, dismissal from employment or similar.
Sep 20, 2008, 8:25 am
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