A new book on the British royals claims that both the late Queen Elizabeth and King Charles have clashed with Prince William over his use of a private helicopter to fly his family around the UK.
William, an experienced pilot who served in the Royal Air Force’s Search and Rescue Force, has flown his wife, the Princess of Wales, and their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—between their homes.
He reportedly upset the late Queen by defying her request not to pilot his family the 115 miles from Kensington Palace to Anmer Hall in Norfolk.
Royal editor Robert Jobson’s new book, Catherine, The Princess of Wales, also reveals that this issue has been a recent source of disagreement between King Charles and William. Jobson writes that William has refused “to take his father’s advice on safeguarding the succession.”
As a result, King Charles insisted that William sign a formal document acknowledging the risks involved and taking full responsibility for his actions.
The late Queen had purchased an £8 million helicopter for William’s 32nd birthday, but she “did not hold back” during their argument, especially since she was still haunted by the 1987 crash that killed the Captain of the Queen’s Flight, Air Commodore John Blount, and three other members of the flight.
The crash was caused by metal fatigue in the gearbox, and the Queen did not fly in a helicopter for another decade. In 2021, it was reported that she was having “sleepless nights” over William’s decisions.
Jobson’s book also explores the role Kate has played in the royal family over the past two decades, acting as a mediator between William and his father. Her childhood has inspired William to adopt a more tactile parenting style and ensure his three children feel “wrapped in love.”
The book reveals that William often spends quality time with his eldest son, George, who insists on dressing like his father and is beginning to copy his mannerisms. When George appears awkward or overwhelmed, William is always close by to offer support.
