EasyJet is under scrutiny after a breastfeeding mother, Daisy Crawford, reported a distressing experience at Bristol Airport, where she was informed she would be charged an additional £50 for carrying breast milk and a pump on her flight to Belfast. The incident, which occurred on April 27, has sparked a debate over airline policies regarding the transportation of breast milk and the treatment of passengers in sensitive situations.
Ms. Crawford described the staff's demeanor as 'stony faced' and lacking in understanding, exacerbating her distress. She emphasized the importance of the breast milk for her premature baby, a detail she felt was overlooked by the airline personnel. The situation escalated when she was told she had 'no choice' but to pay the fee unless she could fit all her items into a single cabin bag, a task that proved impossible without sacrificing personal belongings.
The mother of three attempted to access online guidelines for traveling with breast milk but was hindered by poor signal. She recounted being told by staff, 'we've given you time,' a statement that only added to her frustration. The incident highlights the challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers when navigating airline policies and the need for greater sensitivity and clarity from airlines.
EasyJet has yet to publicly respond to the incident, but the story has ignited a conversation on social media about the rights of breastfeeding mothers and the importance of accommodating their needs without imposing undue financial or emotional burdens. As the debate continues, many are calling for airlines to review their policies to prevent similar situations in the future.
Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, made a notable return to the Royal Box at Wimbledon after a 37-year absence, marking a significant moment in her gradual reintegration into royal public life. Accompanied by her daughter, Princess Beatrice, Ferguson's appearance at the prestigious tennis tournament was her first in the Royal Box since 1988, when she sat alongside the late Princess Diana. The mother-daughter duo adhered to the event's dress code, with Ferguson opting for a green floral print maxi dress from ME + EM, while Beatrice chose a striped set by Sandro Paris featuring floral cutouts.
The event also saw the attendance of other high-profile figures, including David Beckham, Jason Isaacs, and Eddie Redmayne, highlighting the tournament's appeal beyond the tennis court. Following the day's matches, guests in the Royal Box, including Ferguson and Beatrice, were invited to the clubhouse for lunch, tea, and drinks, a tradition that underscores the social significance of Wimbledon.
Ferguson's return to Wimbledon and other royal events in recent years signals a shift in her public presence, which had diminished following her divorce from Prince Andrew in 1996. Her appearance at the tournament, alongside her daughter, not only marks a personal milestone but also reflects the evolving dynamics within the royal family's public engagements.
Meanwhile, the tournament continues to be a focal point for royal attendance, with Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales and patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, expected to make an appearance. Middleton's role in presenting the trophies underscores the longstanding connection between the British royal family and Wimbledon, a tradition that blends sport, society, and ceremonial duty.