It was intended to ease their travel between royal engagements.

Adecade ago, for his 32nd birthday, Queen Elizabeth gifted Prince William an £8 million helicopter, a gesture fitting for royalty. Back then, William and Kate Middleton had not yet expanded their family beyond Prince George.

The Queen’s generous gift of a helicopter was intended to ease their travel between royal engagements. At that time, the royal family frequently used helicopters, and this particular one, equipped with luxurious leather seats and room for seven passengers, proved to be an ideal mode of transport for the family, especially after Charlotte and Louis were born.

Will

Prince William, after his active military service, retrained as an air ambulance pilot, joining the East Anglian Air Ambulance in 2015.

In January 2017, Kensington Palace announced that William would complete his air ambulance work, with his final shift taking place on July 15.

A safety scare

The Queen’s decision to invest in the helicopter was influenced by a safety scare involving King Charles and Camilla in 2013.

The couple experienced a technical fault with their chartered helicopter while traveling to the Hay-on-Wye Festival in Wales, a renowned literature festival.

The pilot executed an emergency landing at Denham Aerodrome in Buckinghamshire, ensuring their safety.

Prince William, after his active military service, retrained as an air ambulance pilot, joining the East Anglian Air Ambulance in 2015.

In January 2017, Kensington Palace announced that William would complete his air ambulance work, with his final shift taking place on July 15.

This helicopter gift reflects the royal family’s focus on convenience and safety, enabling them to manage their numerous engagements efficiently while adding a touch of luxury to their travel.

As Prince William celebrates his birthday today, he can look back on a decade of balancing royal duties with family life, supported by such thoughtful and practical gifts from his family.