Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton, have returned from their short but busy overseas trip to Boston, where the couple announced the winners of the Earthshot Prize, among other Royal engagements.
Discover our latest podcast
‘The world’s most secretive airport lounge’
Before boarding the plane to Boston, Prince William and Kate may have unwound in what is sometimes called ‘the world’s most secretive airport lounge’. The head of Heathrow VIP, Priya Malhotra, said:
Members of every royal family in the world have passed through our doors. You are dealing with the world’s elite.
The Sun reported that Prince William and Kate have previously used the lounge while waiting to go on half-term breaks with their three children. Thus, it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch of the imagination to believe the Prince and Princess of Wales may have used the lounge again before and after heading to Boston last week.
According to News.com.au, access to this highly private lounge used to be by invitation only and reserved for Heads of State. However, for the past ten years, jet-setters can pay for access.
According to Heathrow’s VIP website, travellers flying on first or business class tickets are entitled to purchase Heathrow’s VIP experience. Although, travellers will have to pay a minimum of £2,750 + VAT for up to three persons to access the service. However, demand for the lounge outweighs availability making it very difficult to book the service.
Read more:
⋙ Kate Middleton sparks outrage at King Charles' first state banquet, here's why
⋙ Kate Middleton makes controversial decision on first official engagement since the Queen's funeral
What money buys
Those lucky enough to enjoy the VIP treatment are picked up from their homes by a private chauffeur.
Once at the airport, VIPs are greeted by a bowler-hatted doorman and then escorted to a private suite where they can relax while contemplating paintings by Andy Warhol, Francis Bacon or Lucian Freud.
VIPs are assigned ‘liaison officers’ who deal with checking-in and pre-flight paperwork and a private butler to cater to their every need.
If guests should need refreshments, the lounge either offers unlimited Dom Perignon, French champagne that costs $220 a bottle or an extensive wine list. Guests can also dine on Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton’s three-course menu.
Sources used:
- Hello!: Prince William & Princess Kate's £3,300 'secret' Heathrow suite revealed
- The Sun: BRITISH HEIRWAYS Inside the Heathrow Airport VIP lounge used by Prime Ministers and Royal Family – and it costs £1,600 an hour
- News.com.au: Inside the world’s most secretive airport lounge
- Heathrow VIP: Frequently Asked Questions
