Prince Andrew flew Paul Daniels on Queen's helicopter because he was late for a show
Prince Andrew flew Paul Daniels to a show in the Queen's helicopter because the magician was running late for a show, Debbie McGee has revealed.
The late magician's wife told how Princess Anne ordered brothers Andrew and Edward around to make sure Daniels didn't miss his show at the Savoy Hotel.
Daniels even entertained Fergie, Duchess of York, on the flight with magic tricks and after landing was rushed to the London hotel in the Queen's own limo.
McGee, 61, said she and Daniels, who died aged 77 in 2016, had been at an event in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, which was attended by members of the royal family.
On her podcast Spill the Tea, McGee said: "At the end of the day Paul ran to say goodbye to Princess Anne and said 'I'm really sorry I can't stay for the party afterwards, it's over-run by two hours and I'm meant to be on stage in an hour at the Savoy'.
"Paul was doing a cabaret for a private party [at the Savoy].
"So Princess Anne said 'have you got someone to drive your car back to London?' and Paul said 'yes I have, of course' - that was muggins, me.
"And she said 'well, hold on a minute', and went 'Edward!' And, obeying his elder sister, Edward went 'yes?'
"She said 'can you go and get Andrew for me?' So Edward ran off, brought Prince Andrew back and [Princess Anne] said.. 'have you still got the Queen's helicopter?'
"He said 'yes' and she said 'well go and get it ready, you're going to fly Mr Daniels back to Windsor Castle.. I'll phone ahead and get a car ready, he's got to be at the Savoy'."
She continued: "I waved them off on the helicopter pad with Prince Andrew piloting it and Fergie in the lounge with Paul below, where Paul I think did card tricks all the way to Windsor Castle.
"Then when he got there, she'd not only just organised a car, it was the Queen's car with the royal standard flag on the front - you know, the stretch limo.
"He got dressed into his tuxedo in the back of it going along the M4.
"Then he got to the Savoy, walked on stage and said 'well, you won't believe where I've been!' and of course had a great night at the Savoy."
