The British Royal Family's Favorite Vacation Spots
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Unlike their royal tours, the British royal family's vacations are typically private affairs. However, we do know some of their favorite locations, from Princess Margaret's love of the island of Mustique (she owned a villa there!) to Prince Harry's repeated trips to Botswana (he famously took Meghan Markle on their third date in the country).
Read on for a list of the British royal family's top vacation spots.
Mustique, Saint Vincent
Princess Margaret spent much of her time on the island of Mustique in the Caribbean. You can even rent her former home, called Les Jolies Eaux, on the private island. Kate Middleton and Prince William also have spent ample time in Mustique, most recently traveling there with their kids in 2019.
More: Princess Margaret's Love Affair With the Island of Mustique
Botswana
For their third date, Meghan and Harry traveled to Botswana. "We camped out with each other under the stars," Harry reminisced in their joint engagement interview. "We were really by ourselves, which was crucial to me to make sure that we had a chance to get to know each other." Talk about a romantic vacation!
They reportedly stayed at Meno a Kwena, near the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. The Sussexes returned the following year to celebrate Meghan's birthday in the country.
More: Why Meghan and Harry's Third Date Was So Important
Mallorca, Spain
King Charles and Princess Diana took their sons William and Harry to Mallorca in 1987, where they stayed with the Spanish royal family. Diana loved it so much, she returned the next year.
More: T&C Travel Guide to Mallorca
Nevis
Princess Diana went to Nevis for some solitude–and ocean fun—with her sons in 1993. They stayed at the Montpelier Plantation Estate, which describes itself as a "pure laid-back chic" hotel, something Diana was may have been searching for in the wake of her split from Charles.
More: The Definitive Timeline of Diana and Charles's Relationship
Norfolk, England
A favorite holiday location of the British royal family is at their Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. The royals traditionally spends Christmas and New Year at Sandringham, but you can visit Norfolk year round.
More: Inside Sandringham
The Bahamas
When Prince William and Kate Middleton went on a royal tour of the Caribbean last year, they stayed at the Cove on Atlantis Paradise Island during the Bahamas leg of the trip. They mentioned how they hope to bring their children back to visit.
They definitely wouldn't be the first British royals to vacation there; Princess Margaret and her then-husband Earl of Snowdon spent holiday in the Bahamas in 1967 (pictured).
Corfu, Greece
Charles and Camilla have been spotted spending their summer holidays in Corfu, Greece for many years. The island has some royal history: it was where Prince Philip was born in 1921.
Recently, during summer 2022, Prince Edward and his family spent two weeks on the island—proving that even for new generations of the royal family, Corfu has a lasting appeal.
More: Greece Is More Popular Than Ever—But It Can Still Surprise You
Klosters, Switzerland
Charles loves skiing at Klosters in the Swiss Alps; he even has two chair lifts named after him. (But Camila, unlike Diana, doesn't like to ski.) Klosters, too, is famously where the world first learned that Prince William was dating Kate Middleton, when the two were photographed skiing together in 2004.
Though it's famous for skiing, Klosters is beautiful in the summertime—with plenty of hiking trails and outdoor activities.
More: These Are the Favorite Ski Resorts of European Royalty
Isles of Scilly
The Isles of Scilly are an archipelago off the coast of Cornwall where the Cambridges have visited numerous times. There's some history there: Prince William visited the Isles when he was young, alongside his parents and brother. It's the UK's only tropical islands, and according to their tourism site, they are "outstandingly beautiful, uncrowded and unspoilt." Sounds like the perfect vacation spot.
More: Kate Middleton, Prince William, and Their Kids Go on Vacation to the Isles of Scilly
The Scottish Highlands, Scotland
Last but certainly not least: The British royal family's favorite summer vacation spot is in the Scottish Highlands at Balmoral Castle. Queen Elizabeth spent every August there, with various members of her family coming up to spend part of the month with her. King Charles recently arrived at Balmoral to kick off his summer vacation, following in his late mother's tradition.
More: Inside the Royals' Favorite Scottish Getaway, Balmoral Castle
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