The former Dutch Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, Edith Schippers, was in London to watch Van Gerwen and Benito van de Pas at the 2017 PDC World Darts Championship . 'Mighty Mike' indicated that he wanted to spend the days between the first and second round at home. Van der Giessen tried to arrange an original return journey, writes 'The Feather' in his book. "I have asked (Schippers, ed.) whether there is a possibility that Michael and his wife Daphne can fly back with her. 'That is not the intention of a government plane, but I think we can make an exception for once', Edith Schippers said." Van Gerwen makes grateful use of this possibility, the book stated. The Dutchman had his stuff brought to the venue and flew back with the government plane. "He was very happy with the opportunity and sorted that his stuff was brought to the venue. Michael did a short press conference and left quickly via the VIP entrance in the direction of a waiting car.''