King Charles has offered a rare glimpse into the luxurious private jet he is using for his nine-day royal tour of the Caribbean. The aircraft, an RAF Voyager officially known as Vespina, has served as the primary transport for the Royal Family, the Prime Minister, and UK government ministers since 2016. The plane features plush grey and cream seats, privacy curtains, and a tartan cushion, reportedly a nod to the King's fondness for Scotland.
The monarch, 77, landed in Nassau, the Bahamas, on October 27 to begin his trip, which also includes stops in Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. Images shared on the Royal Family's Instagram page showed the King engrossed in briefing papers while on board, with a caption noting his preference for using travel time for government duties, reading, and correspondence.
Another photograph depicted pilots with Geoffrey the Giraffe, a fundraising mascot for Great Ormond Street Hospital, highlighting the plane's use for charitable endeavors as well. The converted Voyager, nicknamed 'Cam Force One,' is described as spacious and is also utilized for long-haul flights by senior government officials.
Previous insights into royal travel include footage of Queen Camilla transporting a replica of the Winnie-the-Pooh toy, Roo, to New York City earlier this year. Roo was returned to its owners as part of celebrations for the children's book character's 100th anniversary.
The King's Caribbean visit has been marked by engagements including watching a 'Junkanoo' parade in Nassau, where he spontaneously joined the dancers. He also met with Bahamian students and local officials.
The trip is occurring amid ongoing discussions about slavery and reparations. King Charles acknowledged the "great suffering of the past" upon his arrival. While he did not offer a formal apology or financial compensation, Buckingham Palace stated that he would address the historical context of colonialism during his speeches and visits.