Queen Elizabeth II Chooses Train Service Over Costly Private Helicopter Ride
Queen Elizabeth II recently proved that she’s not Kate Middleton after she chose a scheduled train service over the Duchess’ costly private helicopter ride when both royals made the same Norfolk-London trip.
While Duchess Kate's helicopter journey on Sunday had a return cost to the taxpayers of more than $4,000 (£3,000), the Queen's first class one-hour-and-40-minute trip only cost $79 (£54.90). According to Daily Mail, the two trips weren't "entirely comparable" but the difference between their modes of transportation was definitely remarkable.
The Duchess' private helicopter ride took place on Sunday when she attended the 75th anniversary of the Air Training Corps in London as its Honorary Air Commandant, a position she took from Prince Philip who retired from the post after more than six decades.
Kate Middleton took the Queen's Flight, a burgundy helicopter used by Royal Family members on official engagements. However, it is paid from the funds given to the Queen by the Government for her official duties as head of state.
Royals are no strangers in choosing to fly into Kensington Palace as most royal flights use an area behind the palace as a landing pad called, Perks Field. While the Buckingham Palace visits committee revealed that they are permitted to take flights between residences, the Queen often chooses to travel by train.
Meanwhile, a Kensington Palace spokesperson said that the Royal Family's transportation decisions are carefully planned depending on the arrangement of an official engagement.
"The Royal Household makes careful decision about transport plans and always seeks to travel in the most appropriate way possible considering the arrangement for an official engagement," the palace spokesman said.
In other news, Duchess Kate recently released a new PSA about mental health issues for children. While we often see the 34-year-old Duchess in photos, it's quite rare to hear her speak.
The three-minute-32-second video published by Place2Be showed Duchess Kate's poignant message for the upcoming Children's Mental Health Week 2016, which starts on Monday in the United Kingdom, People has learned.
"Every child deserves to grow up feeling confident that they won't fall at the first hurdle, that they cope with life's setbacks," the Duchess said, as per Daily Express. "This resilience, our ability to deal with stressful situations, is something we begin to learn in childhood, as we respond to each challenge and problem life presents."
"Many of us are incredibly fortunate that the issues we face in childhood are ones we can cope with and learn from," Kate added. "But for some children, learning to cope with life's challenges can be a struggle. While we cannot always change a child's circumstances, we can give them the tools to cope, and to thrive. With early support they can learn to manage their emotions and feelings and know when to seek help."
Kate Middleton's message came as she and husband Prince William pledged their involvement in an awareness campaign that tackles the stigma surrounding mental illness.
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