KENT-based airline EUjet should be used by the royals, according to a leading travel writer.

Simon Calder of The Independent suggested that the Royal Family should have used the low-cost service rather than an expensive charter flight between Scotland and Manston.

Commenting on the cost of royal travel revealed by Buckingham Palace, he questioned whether the use of charter flights was justified if scheduled services are available at convenient times.

Mr Calder cited a royal day-trip from Aberdeen to Kent International Airport at a cost of £12,000.

Mr Calder argued: "If the heir to the throne had been prepared to drive for a couple of hours to Edinburgh airport, he could have flown on EUjet to Manston for about £100 return.

"Indeed, it would have been cheaper to book every seat on the EUjet Fokker 100 rather than the £6,000 each way paid for a one-hour charter.

"And the Kent-based airline even boasts leather seats fit for a king-to-be."

Stuart McGoldrick, EUjet’s group commercial director, said: "We would be delighted to welcome any member of the Royal Family aboard any of our aircraft. I am sure our service would meet with their exacting requirements."