NewIdea
  • Royals
  • Celebrity
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Food
  • Win
  • Recipes
  • Video
NewIdea
  • Royals
  • Celebrity
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Food
  • Win
  • Recipes
  • Video
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Royals

The Cambridges were scheduled to fly fatal flight

"He said it will be a nice day out for him and the family"
  • 28 Oct 2019

Prince William, Kate Middleton and their children were booked to fly on an ill-fated helicopter, which killed Leicester City Football Club's owner and four others a year ago today, it has been revealed.

WATCH: So sweet! Kate unexpectedly bumps into midwife who delivered Charlotte 

Thai billionaire Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, employees Nursara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare, pilot Eric Swaffer and his co-pilot partner Izabela Roza Lechowicz were all killed in the tragic accident on October 27, 2018.    

And according to The Sun, the Cambridge clan, including Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, had been booked to fly on the same aircraft a month later. 

Floral tributes left for Leicester City's late owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabh

Floral tributes left for Leicester City's late owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabh

Getty

Kate Lechowicz, the sister of Eric's fiancé Izabela, told the publication: "They were scheduled to fly together again in November just a short time after the helicopter crashed.

"[Prince] William had told Eric, 'Next time it will be with Kate and the kids,'" Kate told The Sun.  

"He said it will be a nice day out for him and the family."

kate middleton

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge laid a floral tribute to those who were tragically killed in the helicopter crash

Getty

Vichai was well-loved by Leicester City fans, and William counted him as a personal friend and knew him through his role as President of the Football Association as well as a fellow polo player. 

In November 2018, William and Kate were so moved by the incident they attended a service at Leicester City Football Club's King Power Stadium to pay tribute to those people who'd died in the crash, and they praised the "warmth and compassion" in the city following the tragedy.

william kate

William and Kate paid their respects before meeting fans at the memorial last year

Getty

"Prince William loved flying and he got on really well with Eric – they had flown together a number of times," Kate Lechowicz shared, speaking ahead of travelling to a private ceremony to mark the one year anniversary of the accident.

"He told me he loved his quirky sense of humour and had huge respect for his abilities as a pilot."

A report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) found the helicopter crash, which occurred shortly after taking off from the pitch at the King Power stadium, was caused after a pin became disconnected in the tail rotor, meaning the helicopter became unstable.

The problem meant the tail rotor on the the Augusta AW169's became disconnected from the pilot's pedals, leading it into an 'uncontrollable' spin, the report found. 

kate will

The royals praised the city of Leicester for its "warmth and compassion" following the tragedy

Prince George is following in his father's footsteps, and is a huge soccer fan. 

The little royal was caught on camera last month as he celebrated a goal while watching his beloved Aston Villa Football Club play. 

The adorable royal watched his favourite team take on Norwich City with parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton, and sister Princess Charlotte.

kensingtonroyal View Profile
866.9k likes - View Post on Instagram
🎥 @SoccerAM - a fantastic performance from Aston Villa @AVFCofficial at Norwich today! 👏⚽

Kensington Palace later posted a video of George’s reaction on their official Instagram page.

The Duke of Cambridge has been a long-time support of Aston Villa and is regularly spotted at matches. 

  • Royals
  • Catherine Middleton
  • Prince William

Subscribe to New Idea & save!-+ save!

Subscribe to New Idea today

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to New Idea & save!

Subscribe to New Idea & save!-+ save!

Subscribe to New Idea today

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to New Idea & save!

Recommended to you

Home and Away opening title
Watch 1:09

Home and Away opening title

{headline}

{headline}

WATCH: Adorable! Kate Middleton makes SURPRISE appearance on children's show

Prince George and Princess Charlotte get their OWN Christmas trees

Prince William says having children 'intensified' his mental health struggles

The Royal Family release new portraits for Prince Charles' 70th Birthday

{headline}

{headline}

Princess Charlotte is the spitting image of Wills

Prince William shows playful side describing his relationship with Kate Middleton

Why you'll never see Princess Charlotte wearing pants

{headline}

{headline}

Kate Middleton's 'supermum' moment revealed

Kate and Camilla’s ugly clash over the crown

Prince George gifted his own coin for his 5th birthday

Royal fans claim Princess Charlotte looks JUST like Princess Diana in unearthed throwback photo

Prince Charles didn't marry Camilla before Princess Diana for this reason

Prince George: Shock secret exposed

Will we get to see Prince Louis this week?

NewIdea
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Competitions
NewIdea Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Competitions

Brands

  • Girlfriend
  • New Idea food
  • Practical Parenting
  • That’s Life
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • Home Beautiful
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from New Idea

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to New Idea & save!-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to New Idea & save!