Tucked away with an obscure entrance on the side of Heathrow’s cargo area is the Royal Suite.
It’s by invitation only and Hollywood stars need not apply.
The Royal Suite is strictly reserved for VIPs of the highest calibre – world leaders, top politicians, senior figures, royalty. The Pope has used it and American Secretaries of State. But generally foreign politicians below the rank of President or Prime Minister are obliged to use Heathrow’s other VIP suites.
The current building came into use in the early 1990s and it’s like a world on its own. There’s a baggage search area, an administrative office, several bathrooms and entrances to the rear and the front. The two front rooms are reserved for the VIPs and are equipped to the highest standard with furniture created by the Earl of Snowdon, then Viscount Linley. Wooden screens are particularly eye catching.
Needless to say, security is a key feature and a glance at the building will show that it’s bomb and bullet resistant.
American Presidents have used it and the late Queen Elizabeth was a regular until the Queens Flight was moved to nearby Northolt Airport.
An important element of the area is that large jets can taxi and park in front of the building – just a quick walk along the red carpet, up the steps into the front entrance. Air Force One was easily accommodated in George W. Bush’s day.
Primarily used for VVIP’s, it can occasionally be used for other events. The England football team used it on their return from a World Cup and the Boeing 787 ‘Dreamliner’ parked here for a demonstration to Airline executives.
Unfortunately its not open to the general public – although can be viewed at a distance from Terminal 4 airside.