Flight instructions for caring for the late Queen Elizabeth are up for sale in a new auction taking place between Aug. 15-20
Queen Elizabeth’s mid-air comforts have been revealed thanks to a new auction.
Mints and martinis were among the late Queen’s surprising habits detailed in memorabilia from a 1989 British Airways flight, now up for sale at Hansons Auctioneers from Aug. 15-20.
Jo Smallwood inherited the memorabilia from her aunt, Elizabeth Evans, who served Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip during their 1989 tour, per a Hansons press release.
The collection, expected to sell for £400 to £600 ($511 to $767), includes confidential instructions noting that the Queen liked Velva mints in her dressing room and often drank a martini before guests arrived.
Per the release, Queen Elizabeth’s other royal comforts including having her own pillows onboard and having her bed made up. Crew members were also warned that if the late monarch fell asleep prior to landing they should not disturb her.
Evans, who died at age 70 in 2017, served many high profile passengers during her 28-year career with British Airways, including Rod Stewart, Patrick Swayze and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The collection up for auction also includes signed menu cards and autographs from the musician and actors, along with tennis legend Billie Jean King.
The memorabilia was discovered by Smallwood when she visited her aunt’s home in South Africa to arrange her funeral, according to the release.
She said of the collection, “I was aware of some of the things Elizabeth had kept from her career with BA but nothing on this scale.”
“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,” she continued. “I believe this collection is a little piece of history that should be shared and enjoyed by somebody.”
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “Elizabeth was clearly 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.”
In a fascinating new auction set to take place from Aug. 15-20, flight instructions for attending to the late Queen Elizabeth have been unveiled. The auction, hosted by Hansons Auctioneers, features memorabilia from a 1989 British Airways flight, shedding light on Queen Elizabeth’s unique preferences and habits while in the air.Among the intriguing details revealed in the collection is the Queen’s penchant for Velva mints in her dressing room and her indulgence in a martini before the arrival of guests. It seems that even royalty had their own little comforts and rituals while traveling. Additionally, it was noted that Queen Elizabeth had her own pillows onboard and her bed made up to her liking. Crew members were instructed not to disturb Her Majesty if she happened to doze off before landing.The collection, expected to fetch between £400 to £600 ($511 to $767), also includes signed menu cards and autographs from notable figures such as Rod Stewart, Patrick Swayze, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Billie Jean King. This treasure trove of memorabilia was uncovered by Jo Smallwood, the niece of Elizabeth Evans, who served the Queen and Prince Philip during their 1989 tour.Elizabeth Evans, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 70, had an illustrious career with British Airways, catering to a roster of high-profile passengers. Her dedication and attention to detail are evident in the confidential instructions that she kept, providing insight into the care and service provided to the late Queen Elizabeth.As Smallwood reflects on the collection, she expresses a desire for these pieces of history to be shared and appreciated by others. The connection to her aunt’s experiences with British Airways, including the cherished memories of serving on Concorde and attending to royalty, holds sentimental value. It is a glimpse into a bygone era of air travel, where personalized service and attention to detail were paramount.Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, highlights the significance of the memorabilia, emphasizing the respect and esteem with which Evans was held by British Airways. The meticulous care and professionalism exhibited in attending to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip reflect the dedication of individuals like Evans, who played a vital role in ensuring the comfort and well-being of esteemed passengers.This auction serves as a reminder of the unique glimpses into history that can be preserved through memorabilia and personal collections. It is a testament to the special moments and interactions that are shared in the world of aviation, transcending mere travel to create lasting memories and connections. Let us continue to explore and celebrate these stories that enrich our understanding of the past and inspire us for the future.
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Source: Los Angeles Times (edited)
