Royal Flight Instructions to Be Auctioned August 15-20
A collection of royal flying secrets is set to be auctioned this month, offering a rare insight into the late Queen Elizabeth’s in-flight habits. From August 15 to 20, Hansons Auctioneers will showcase memorabilia from a 1989 British Airways flight that catered to the Queen and Prince Philip during their tour of Singapore and Malaysia.
This collection, inherited by Jo Smallwood from her late aunt Elizabeth Evans—who served as cabin crew on the flight—includes intriguing details about the Queen’s mid-air comforts. Confidential instructions reveal that Her Majesty enjoyed having a bowl of Velva mints nearby and often sipped a Martini before her guests arrived.
Expected to fetch between £400 and £600 ($511 to $767), this exclusive memorabilia offers a glimpse into the regal preferences that accompanied Queen Elizabeth’s travels. Highlights include the Queen’s personal preferences, such as having her own pillows onboard and a bed made up for her. Crew members were also instructed not to disturb her if she fell asleep before landing, ensuring her rest was undisturbed.
The collection also features signed menu cards and autographs from other high-profile passengers Evans served during her 28-year career with British Airways. Notable figures include musicians Rod Stewart and Patrick Swayze, actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and tennis legend Billie Jean King.
