Almost everyone in the world is probably well acquainted with the document called passport. As per Merriam Webster dictionary passport is a formal document issued by an authorized official of a country to one of its citizens that is usually necessary for exit from and reentry into the country, that allows the citizen to travel in a foreign country in accordance with visa requirements, and that requests protection for the citizen while abroad.
Very complicated explanation and definition for a simple document huh?
Anyhow, passport is precious document for many people as without it they would not be able to travel outside their country.
But are there people in the world who do not need passport?
There are. Or to be more precise – there is. I changed the verb from ARE to IS because there is only one person in the world who can travel anywhere without a passport.
Yes, you read that right.
And that person is – King Charles III (Charles Philip Arthur George).
Of course, just until recently that person was Queen Elizabeth. Her reign lasted for 70 years and 214 days. And for all that time she didn’t need a passport to travel. She could travel literally anywhere in the world.
While she held the throne for so many decades, Charles waited and waited and wondered: “When will I be finally able to travel around the globe without passport?”
Well, he was patient enough. The coronation of Charles III and his wife, Camilla, as king and queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms, took place on 6 May 2023 at Westminster Abbey.
Since the day of coronation – he does not need passport anymore.
But how does that work actually? Can he really travel anywhere in the world or are there some restrictions? Also, is he following standard travel procedures, or can he just fly into random country and have a beer somewhere?
Let’s dive deeper.
Related: What Would Happen If We Traveled Back in Time?
King’s travel guide – No passport edition
The British passport has, traditionally, been issued in the name of the monarch in charge, which now is King Charles himself.
Namely, the preamble in every passport is – “His Britannic Majesty’s Secretary of State requests and requires in the name of His Majesty all those whom it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance and to afford the bearer such assistance and protection as may be necessary.”
Exactly because of that preamble the King does not need passport.
The same goes for his driving license. Following his accession to the throne, King Charles III no longer requires a driving license. Now, he is the only person in the UK who can drive a car without a valid license.
Interesting rules huh?
Ok, so let’s see how does that really work in reality.
It is understood that he does not travel by scheduled flights like any common man. Not that someone books his flight via Skyscanner and then he jumps into British Airways Flight 5930.
No, his travel procedure looks completely different.
When king travels to an airport, he typically has a designated mode of transportation and a security detail to ensure his safety. Depending on the distance to the airport, he may travel by car, private jet, or helicopter.
For longer journeys or trips abroad, King Charles of course travels by air. He has access to the Royal Air Force’s fleet of aircraft, including helicopters and fixed-wing planes, which are used to transport members of the Royal Family on official trips.
If he is traveling by private jet or helicopter, he has a dedicated terminal or helipad to use, which is separate from the regular airport terminals to maintain privacy and security.
Once he arrives at the airport, he is greeted by airport officials, security personnel, and representatives of host country or organization. He also has a private lounge or terminal to use, away from the public areas of the airport.
For short journeys within London or other cities in the UK, the King usually travels by car, often accompanied by a police escort. The car used for such trips is usually a specially modified luxury vehicle, such as a Bentley or a Rolls-Royce, which is equipped with various security features and communications systems.
So as you can see, King Charles has so many advantages while travelling that it is almost unimaginable for common people.
But hey, at least you get to see his hand waving while he is leaving airport.
