Helicopter Hopping Royals: Why the British Monarchy's Mileage is Making Headlines

The royal family’s usage of helicopters has just soared into the headlines after reports revealed they’ve traveled over 58,000 miles in their two AgustaWestland AW139 choppers. That’s more than two full trips around the world! Surprisingly, Princess Anne topped the list as the frequent flyer, with her Gatcombe Park home being the most-visited spot for royal landings. Meanwhile, Prince William racked up his own frequent flyer miles, with some stops at Windsor and Forest Lodge, where he now resides with Princess Kate Middleton and their three little royals.

However, it’s not all smooth flying; King Charles has expressed deep concerns over safety and the use of helicopters by family members. These worries hark back to issues raised by the late Queen Elizabeth, particularly when it comes to flying with heirs. With the stakes as high as they are for the royal family—not just in terms of mileage but also safety—it’s intriguing to ponder if maybe they’d be better off trading their helicopters for some good old-fashioned road trips. Who needs global views when you can enjoy a nice drive through the English countryside?