Revealed: Royals spent more than £13million of public money on private flights and helicopter journeys in less than a decade

The Royal Family spent more than £13m of public money on private chartered flights and helicopter journeys just under a decade before leading calls at Cop26 to combat the climate crisis, it can be revealed. A comprehensive analysis by The Independent of travel data published in Sovereign Grant annual accounts from 2013/14 to 2020/21 reveals that at least £13.5m has been spent on travel using chartered flights and helicopters. However, anyone who wants to be seen as an environmental role model should have a close look at their own private jet use. The Independent’s analysis has only included the cost of chartered flights or helicopter journeys where it is exclusively stated. Matt Finch, UK Policy manager at the Transport and Environment campaign group, added: “Flying by private jet is the most carbon-intensive form of transport.