Queen Elizabeth is Plane Shopping
The Sunday Times reports that the Queen of England is in the market for a new plane. No Air-Force-One-sized jet for the Queen though, word from Buckingham Palace is that they are in the market for a small executive plane like a Gulfstream or Learjet. The plane would also be available for use by Gordon Brown and senior ministers. The plane w ould be paid for by taxpayers and would include the usual private plane bells and whistles such as catering facilities and in-flight entertainment. The Queen had previously been able to use larger planes provided by the RAF. Also in the past, Prince Charles and other royals have chartered planes or flown first class for their royal tours, which they will still have to do for longer trips. The new plane will be best for short jaunts. The prime minister opted against a larger plane for himself and the royals because of the price. A decision on the type of plan and specific purchase details probably won't be available until later this year.
What's particularly interesting about the comments section of the article is that many of those who wrote in believe the Queen (and to some extent Gordon Brown) should have a bigger plane.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
willzville Jun 30th 2008 12:09PM
Gordon brown SHOULD have a bigger plane, since he's the prime minister but the queen definately shouldn't have a plane though, what does she do to be able to spend British tax payers money? I don't understand.
Milton Benson Jun 30th 2008 1:09PM
I also believe that the Queen should have use of a larger aircraft, indeed, an entire fleet should be placed at her Majesty's disposal. Part of the monarchy's allure is its trappings, the unimaginable wealth and privilege to which we mere mortals can only aspire. For those who wish to see the monarchy downsized, how much more should be taken away? Perhaps they won't be happy until they see the royal family living in some East End flat driving around in Vespas.
willzville Jun 30th 2008 11:58PM
Right, so the fact that the queen lives an outrageous lifestyle funded by hardworking tax payers in exchange for hand waving makes you sleep better at night?
Valerie Jun 30th 2008 9:43PM
I find this story and this woman pathetic.I recently read what this woman is worth,and for this plane to be paid for at taxpayers expense is apalling.She is a snob who thinks she is above all people and that all should bow down to her.The only way I would ever bow down to this woman would to be closer to her feet to spit upon them.I love England and that country needs a ruler with a caring heart,someone who wants to help people,not put herself above them.Her remarks about Miss Kate should have stayed in her mouth.I found it a total dis-respect of her grandson.I adore Prince William & Harry.They have so much of their wonderful mother in them.And the kind of heart and mind that I feel is what every country needs.The ONLY woman who even comes close to deserving the title Queen left us August 31,1997.A day forever heartbreaking and one I shall never forget.I celebrate your birth,July 1st.Miss you terribly,Queen Diana.If there is a heaven,I can't wait to get there and meet you.Because I know you will open your arms to me,not expect me to bow at your feet.
Milton Benson Jul 6th 2008 1:36PM
Oh puh-leeze! Queen Diana?!? Heaven?!? The only people who should be waiting for you with their arms open are a couple of men in white coats! Queen Elizabeth II is one of England's greatest monarchs, but that is besides the point. This was a story about the head-of-state's need for a new plane, not about Elizabeth Mountbatten-Windsor the person. Once more, part of the MYSTIQUE of monarchy is its trappings, the grandeur, all the pomp and ceremony. Of course the Queen is HUMAN! I do believe we are all human who live here on planet Earth. But it is what the Queen is supposed to represent: all that is best about Great Britain. I personally believe England would be a very boring country but for the royal family, the palaces, the pomp and the privilege. Is it because YOU are not queen that you direct such malice at the palace?
willzville Jun 30th 2008 11:53PM
Yeah Valerie is quite right. The queen is a human being, just like the rest of us - not immortal. I find it hard to believe that someone as rich as herself would still have no problem digging into people's hard earned tax money.
I always like seeing others happy and rich. What I don't like is seeing others happy, rich and still feeding on the blood of people that love them (poor Brits). I don't see how people compare gordon brown with the queen... Gordon brown is the prime minster of Britain for god's sake, the queen however doesn't really do anything of purpose apart from hand waving.
When the world came out of monarchy, everybody was free to live a life of their own, and not belong to the queen/king. For some strange reason, no matter how rich you are, you are never considered 'high class' in the UK, but mere 'upper class' since 'high class' is only for royalty, even though most of the royal family aren't thaaaat rich themselves. I absolutely hate it when she says stuff like 'my people' or 'my country' or 'my soldiers'. We belong to her!