Buckingham Palace issues statement as royal family's helicopter mileage sparks scrutiny
The royal family have come under fire for their helicopter usage
Buckingham Palace has responded to growing public scrutiny after reports revealed that two new royal helicopters have already flown the equivalent of twice around the world in less than a year.
According to a Telegraph investigation published January 4, the AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters leased by the royal family since early 2025 have clocked more than 58,000 miles and 420 hours of flight time between late February and the end of November. That distance is equivalent to two full circumnavigations of the Earth.
The figures have sparked questions over environmental impact and royal travel habits.
Buckingham Palace defends use of royal helicopters
In a statement, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson defended the aircraft’s use.
They argued that helicopters were essential for enabling senior royals to reach remote parts of the UK and carry out multiple engagements in one day.
“Helicopters are a key component of the royal travel plan due to their unique capability to access remote regions of the UK, which are not otherwise readily served by other modes of transport,” the spokesperson said, as reported by PEOPLE. “They also allow members of the Royal Family to undertake multiple engagements in a given day.”
The report revealed that Princess Anne and Prince William have been among the most frequent users of the new aircraft.
Gatcombe Park, Anne’s country estate, topped the destination list with 68 recorded stops. Meanwhile, 52 trips were made between Windsor and Forest Lodge, the Prince and Princess of Wales’ new residence.
Princess Kate has also flown solo for several public engagements.
However, King Charles remains hesitant about relying on the aircraft. Aides told The Telegraph the King is “pretty allergic” to helicopter use. He has reportedly even raised objections when the option is suggested.
In Catherine, The Princess of Wales, biographer Robert Jobson wrote that the monarch previously clashed with Prince William over safety concerns, particularly around the prince flying with Princess Kate and their three children.
The late Queen Elizabeth II reportedly shared similar concerns.
The book claims she once requested that Prince William avoid flying with his young family in one helicopter. Royal protocol discourages direct heirs from travelling together in case of an accident.
Royal family travel
The data suggests around 340 trips were undertaken in nine months, if journeys with stops of an hour or more are counted separately.
That number jumps to 700 when stopovers shorter than ten minutes are included.
The longest trip logged was a 372-mile journey from Dundee to RAF Odiham on May 23. The shortest flight was Princess Anne’s trip across the Channel Islands on May 10.
In September, the Princess Royal’s helicopter landed at Merchant Taylors’ School in Liverpool, where she gave a spontaneous tour to curious students.
Meanwhile, King Charles has received praise for his commitment to sustainable aviation.
According to Tim Fauchon, CEO of the British Helicopter Association, the monarch has made efforts to seek out airports supplying Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
“I know full well the Royal Flight do look for a blend,” Fauchon said, as reported by GB News. “You’ve got to appreciate it comes as an expense.”
Fauchon described the King as “leading by example” by opting for the greenest available form of aviation where possible.
Read more: King Charles and Prince William’s ‘visits to America tipped to be two-pronged attack’
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