Buckeyetech wrote:As a history buff, I was more than pleased to see that the production of the Netflix series “the crown” extensively used historically accurate from the 40’s-60’s. Included was a JU-52, however I’m not as keen on British aircraft from that era. Can someone identify what prince Philip was flying in episode 9, with Charles by his side?
I haven't seen the series, so I'm just guessing with these three candidates (Do I need to add that these are actual "Queen's Flight" aircraft, except the Basset which is standard RAF colours)
However.... when you say Prince Philip had Charles by his side, was this a young Charles, or an adult Prince Charles with a PPL in his own right? If he was under 18, this would have been 1966 or earlier, and the DH.114 Heron is favourite. If he was older than that, the HS.748 Andover(*) is more likely. As an outside bet, the Beagle Basset is a remote possibility. The HS146 only comes into the frame if we are talking 1986 or later. (I don't know that either Philip or Charles were qualified on the HS125 also shown in this formation photo)
FWIW Charles was qualified on a good number of types (as was his father), and flew regularly until he pranged that particular HS146 in 1994.
https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=187927(*) The HS780 Andover was the military version of the civilian HS748, with a kneeling undercarriage and rear loading ramp for paratroopers & freight. Except for the Queen's Flight which flew HS748
Andover, modelled on the civilian version, but assigned the military name.