A newly released archive of memorabilia collected by a flight attendant has revealed the late Queen drank martinis before flying and didn’t like to be woken for landing if still asleep. The late monarch’s unique travel habits have been revealed by former flight attendant Elizabeth Evans, who served the then-monarch and Prince Philip during their tour of Singapore and Malaysia in 1989. Ms Evans was awarded a certificate to commemorate the occasion, which is now being auctioned off, along with confidential instructions for the tour, and a trove of other items from the flight attendant’s 28-year career with the airline, which also saw her attend to a string of celebrities on supersonic airliner Concorde.
The keepsakes were discovered in Elizabeth’s study by her niece, Jo Smallwood, following her death at the age of 70 in 2017. They include signed menu cards and autographs from some of the world’s biggest stars such as singers Rod Stewart and Cliff Richard, actors Arnold Schwarzenegger, Patrick Swayze and Warren Beatty, and tennis champions Virginia Wade and Billie Jean King. However, retired police officer Jo, of Solihull, said it was working with royalty that provided her aunt’s ‘proudest moments’.
The 53-year-old added: ‘Having found this treasure trove relating to my aunt’s career and experiences with BA, especially the fantastic trips on Concorde and serving the Queen, I found it sad that none of it had seen the light of day. I believe this collection is a little piece of history that should be shared and enjoyed by somebody.’ Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, which is handling the sale, said: ‘Elizabeth’s archive sweeps us back in time to the 1970s, 80s and 90s when flying on Concorde was a luxurious privilege enjoyed by the wealthy jet-set.
‘Celebrities flocked to use its services and carrying royalty was the norm. Service had to be first class. ‘Elizabeth must have been extremely highly regarded by BA because she served some of the most important people in the world.
Take that 1989 British Airways Royal Flight. ‘Her memorabilia includes confidential instructions on how to care for our late Queen and Prince Philip – right down to the sweets Her Majesty preferred on take-off.’ Elizabeth’s archives revealed that The Queen liked having a bowl of Velamints at the ready and enjoyed a Martini before her guests arrived.
Queen Elizabeth also had her own pillows on the plane and her dresser made up her bed. If she was asleep prior to landing, the cabin crew could not disturb her, the notes read. More Trending Girl, 11, stabbed in 'targeted attack' in Leicester Square saved by tea shop worker Boy, 2, dies after falling into canal 'while feeding the ducks' Man and woman killed in crash after white Mercedes leaves road It didn't take long for Banksy's latest artwork to be defaced Mr Hanson explained: ”Elizabeth gathered mementos throughout her career.
Her memorabilia captures the life and times of Concorde at its height and the detail that went into luxury travel with British Airways. ‘No VIP wish was too small to be accommodated. Even smoking was permitted on board back then.
’ Elizabeth’s collection is being auctioned at Hansons Auctioneers in Etwall, Derbyshire, on August 20 and is expected to fetch £400 to £600. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].
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