Prince William Receives a Helicopter From Queen Elizabeth for His 32nd Birthday—and it Costs $13.6 Million!

Just when we thought the Duke of Cambridge had
everything, his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth ,
gave him a special – and expensive – gift for his
birthday.
On Saturday, Prince William turned 32 and
reportedly received a 2008 Agusta A109S Grand
helicopter from the British monarch.
The total cost? A whopping $13.6 million (8 million
pounds sterling)!

Even though the Queen banked a reported $66
million last year, funds to cover the cost of the
helicopter came from the sovereign grant—
essentially, money from the government.

An example of a 2008 Agusta A109S helicopter.
Photo Credit: AV Buyer. scroll down

According to reports, the helicopter – which will be
used for travel to and from official engagements –
can hold up to seven passengers plus one pilot,
can travel at a maximum speed of 180 miles per
hour, has a rear cabinet with a bar and weighs
nearly 1,600 kilograms when empty!
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The new gift fits Kate Middleton's husband
perfectly given he is a helicopter pilot – previously
known as Flight Lt. William Wales – who served in
the Royal Air Force (specifically the Search and
Rescue Force). He gave up his duty in September
2013, which as we all remember, was two months
after his son, Prince George was born.
UK's The Daily Mirror was the first to report this
story.