King Charles III has just completed a successful state visit to America, alongside his wife Queen Camilla, where they were hosted for a garden party and a special gala dinner, among other significant engagements. On Thursday, the royal couple received an official farewell from US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania and then they headed to the airport. However, the pair didn't board the same plane - while the monarch took the royal plane to Bermuda, Camilla is reported to have flown on a commercial flight to the UK. So, why did Camilla part ways with Charles and not join her husband on the next leg of the trip?
© Getty ImagesFirstly, it is worth noting that this is not a change to the formal schedule and it was always the plan that Charles would fly to Bermuda solo. While Buckingham Palace hasn't set out a specific reason for Camilla and Charles going separate ways, Camilla's personal preference may have something to do with it. The 78-year-old has made no secret of the fact that she's not a big fan of flying, and she only travels alongside Charles on a limited number of trips. Perhaps she wanted to minimise time in the air and get back home as soon as the major engagements were ticked off.
Spotted at the airport
A brief clip has been circulating online of Queen Camilla striding through a US airport with minimal security around, ahead of a commercial flight back to the UK. She was wearing the same blue outfit she wore for her high-profile engagements, but aside from that blended into the crowds in the lounge.
© Getty ImagesEven royals get jet lag
During her US visit, Camilla even pointed out one of the downsides of travelling across the Atlantic. Despite travelling in style on a private jet, Queen Camilla still felt the effects of the time difference and admitted to feeling "jet lagged" when she touched down in America.
© Getty ImagesSpeaking inside the ambassador’s library during a presentation of a time capsule marking America’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations, the Queen was asked about her flight over, and she said: "I’m slightly jet lagged," referencing the five-hour time difference between the UK and the East Coast of the US.
Camilla's secret fear
She even cut short a visit to Australia in April 2018, with a Clarence House spokesman saying at the time: "The Duchess does not like flying but I think she has to sometimes embrace that fear."
© Getty ImagesHarley Street hypnotherapist and phobia expert, Christopher Paul Jones has worked with multiple members of the Best Quality Designer Handbag team to tackle fears and he sheds some light on Camilla's worry. He told us: "Fear of flying is rarely about the plane, it is usually about feeling out of control." Further explaining: "Fear of flying is usually made up of several different elements rather than just one. For some people, it can involve a fear of heights, for others, the feeling of being trapped, the movement of turbulence, or the sense of being out of control. Quite often it is also a fear of the fear itself, worrying that they might panic, feel anxious or embarrass themselves during the flight."
