Prince Andrew Flies To Work

23 October 2009

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Britain's Prince Andrew has been blasted for flying a helicopter to work at a cost of £1,200 an hour.

The royal - nicknamed 'Air Miles Andy' because of his penchant for private jets - shunned trains and cars in favour of a hired helicopter earlier this week, even though he has vowed to cut his spending.

The move angered many citizens and politicians who claim Andrew's lavish lifestyle is unacceptable during the current global financial crisis.

But Buckingham Palace insisted the helicopter was the only way the prince could make it to all of his six official engagements.

All methods of transport were considered, but this was considered the only way to fully optimise the Duke's time in order to complete his engagements in Kent.'

A spokesman told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper: "All methods of transport were considered, but this was considered the only way to fully optimise the Duke's time in order to complete his engagements in Kent.'"

Andrew began the day at London's Buckingham Palace, where he had two meetings which finished at 10.45am, leaving him with just 15 minutes to travel 30 miles to his next engagement in Kent.

Fortunately, a helicopter was waiting on the palace helipad, allowing the royal - who trained as a pilot in the Royal Navy - to fly himself to his next appointment.

When that meeting concluded he flew himself to the next one in nearby Whitstable, Kent, 44 miles away, before returning to London for two more engagements.

Despite this extravagance, Andrew has managed to cut his expenses by 30 per cent this year, taking them from £700,000 to £435,000.

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