Queen Camilla has travelled the world alongside King Charles, representing the monarchy at major events and overseas tours.
Yet behind the polished royal appearances lies a personal challenge she has never tried to hide.
The 79-year-old has spoken candidly about her aerophobia over the years, admitting that air travel does not come easily.
The phobia has even influenced her royal schedule, with Camilla occasionally missing or shortening overseas engagements because of her anxiety.
One notable example came during the royal tour of Australia in 2018, when she returned home ahead of schedule.
At the time, a Clarence House spokesperson acknowledged her struggle, saying: “The Duchess does not like flying but I think she has to sometimes embrace that fear.”
According to Harley Street hypnotherapist and phobia specialist Christopher Paul Jones, Camilla’s experience is far from unusual.
Around 40 per cent of travellers experience some level of anxiety when boarding a plane, making fear of flying one of the world’s most common phobias.
Jones explained that the fear often has little to do with the aircraft itself.
“Fear of flying is rarely about the plane; it is usually about feeling out of control,” he said.
He noted that the anxiety can stem from several different triggers. For some people, it is linked to heights or turbulence, while others struggle with the feeling of being confined in a small space.
In many cases, the biggest worry is the fear of having a panic attack during the journey.
“Quite often,” he explained, “people become anxious about becoming anxious.
They worry they will panic or lose control while they are in the air.”
Despite her fears, Queen Camilla has continued to undertake countless official visits around the world in support of the King.
2026-07-30 21:44:00
