40+ Royal Family Vacation Destinations

Birkhall Estate enjoys a quiet reputation in royal circles. In 1852, Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband, purchased Birkhall shortly after acquiring Balmoral and its extensive 50,000-acre grounds, as reported by Country Life. After the passing of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, in 2002, King Charles inherited Birkhall.

In 2005, he and Queen Camilla reportedly spent their honeymoon there. The couple often chooses to spend their summers at this 18th-century estate. Charles was even interviewed at Birkhall for the 2018 documentary “Prince, Son, and Heir: Charles at 70.”

Just a short 15-minute drive from Highgrove, you’ll find Ray Mill House, Queen Camilla’s private residence in Wiltshire. As reported by The Sun, Camilla acquired the property in 1996 after her divorce from Andrew Parker Bowles. Ray Mill House is known to be a cherished place where she often gathers with her children and grandchildren.

Last summer, fans saw the property’s gardens when Camilla graced the pages of a special edition of Country Life. During this feature, she even invited Kate Middleton to capture her photo.

Princess Kate and Prince William often escape to the Isles of Scilly during the summer months with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Prince Charles has been visiting these islands since his childhood, often accompanied by his mother, Princess Diana, and his siblings, including Prince Harry.

Adding to the island’s charm, William and Kate surprised locals a few summers back by riding around Tresco with their kids. Witnesses shared that the couple looked genuinely joyful.

During school breaks, weekends, and holidays, the Wales family finds solace at Amner Hall in Norfolk. Nestled on the Sandringham Estate, Queen Elizabeth gifted this charming country home to Prince William and Princess Kate as a wedding present in 2011.

From 2015 to 2017, it served as their main residence. Amner Hall holds a special place in Princess Kate’s heart, and it’s where she feels most comfortable.

Some of Kate Middleton’s childhood years were spent in Jordan. This connection to the country seemed to have inspired a family trip there years later. In 2021, Kate and William shared a glimpse of their family vacation to Jordan through their Christmas card and a Father’s Day photo.

The image captured a relaxed and happy atmosphere, with Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis dressed casually and sporting wide smiles.

Prince Harry’s fondness for Botswana is evident in the engagement ring he designed for Meghan. He chose a diamond from Botswana as the centerpiece of her three-stone engagement ring, with two smaller diamonds from Princess Diana’s collection on either side. Meghan has described the ring as “perfect.”

In their engagement interview with the BBC in 2017, Prince Harry shared that he convinced Meghan to join him in Botswana. The couple spent five days camping under the stars, an experience that brought them closer together. The couple’s trip to Botswana, which also served as their third date, was featured in the Netflix series Harry & Meghan.

In the recent episode of her podcast Tea Talks with the Duchess and Sarah, Sarah Ferguson shared that Princess Eugenie, along with her sons August, aged two, and Ernest, who is just two months old, was in Portugal. Eugenie shares her children with her husband, Jack Brooksbank.

Last year, Jack began a new job requiring the family to spend time in the United Kingdom and Portugal. This recent trip to Portugal could be significant for baby Ernest, as it marks his first international travel experience.

Princess Diana had a strong affection for the Caribbean. She was particularly drawn to places like Richard Branson’s private Necker Island and Nevis. During her trips to the Caribbean, Diana was often spotted enjoying beach outings and water activities.

She relished swimming, sunbathing, and playing in the sand with her children. A memorable photograph of her from 1993 shows her joyfully splashing around in the waters of Nevis.

Among Queen Elizabeth’s collection of royal properties, Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands holds a unique place. The royal family has possessed this retreat since 1845, and it was at Balmoral that Prince Philip chose to propose to the late Queen.

Balmoral Castle was, without a doubt, the Queen’s cherished summer haven, with August being her customary month-long stay. The castle served as a sanctuary, drawing family and friends together to revel in its outdoor treasures, including hunting, fishing, horseback riding, picnics, and hikes.

Long before her marriage to Prince William, Kate Middleton had been enjoying family vacations on the island. Their connection to Mustique deepened when they joined the festivities of Basil’s Bar’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2019 alongside none other than Mick Jagger. The Duchess even chose the island for Prince George’s official birthday portrait.

Mustique has been a favored retreat for generations of the Windsor family. Princess Margaret owned a villa named Les Jolies Eaux, perched above Macaroni Beach. Paparazzi are prohibited to this tropical haven.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall have repeatedly enjoyed their summer breaks on the enchanting Greek island. Corfu is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and lush olive groves. Their visits have included stays on a luxurious superyacht and at a charming villa on the mainland.

Corfu holds a poignant connection for the couple. It is the birthplace of Prince Charles’s father, Prince Philip, born there in 1921. This adds an extra layer of sentiment to their choice of vacation spot.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex temporarily leased a rural residence in Oxfordshire in the heart of the Cotswolds. They eventually departed from the location due to security concerns. However, Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, reveals his affectionate description of the invigorating air in that particular region of England.

Encompassing a sprawling 100 acres, the grounds feature diverse amenities such as a serene lake, a charming pub, a deli, an exclusive movie theater, a Cowshed spa, and grass tennis courts.

Klosters, Switzerland, is a charming alpine village known for its picturesque landscapes and winter sports activities. Before their marriage, Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, embarked on multiple ski vacations here. This location held special significance for William, having frequented it with his family during his upbringing.

The village maintains a traditional Swiss Alpine atmosphere, with wooden chalets and a relaxed ambiance. Interestingly, during one of the trips to Klosters, William and Kate shared their first public kiss.

Princess Margaret and her former husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones, the Earl of Snowdon, shared a memorable visit to Nassau in March 1967. The couple must have been in love with this Caribbean destination, as evidenced by their previous six-week honeymoon cruise aboard the royal yacht Britannia in 1960.

Interestingly, Nassau has a rich history of piracy during the 17th and 18th centuries. The island was a haven for infamous pirates like Blackbeard and Calico Jack.

Surrey is home to many royal residences, including Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle. The county has a long history of royal connections and is known for its ties to the British monarchy.

The Duke and Duchess of York, later known as King George VI and the Queen Mother, chose Polesden Lacey, a charming manor house in Surrey, for their honeymoon. A snapshot from their 1923 trip captures them enjoying a leisurely walk.

Despite being located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula and bordered by Spain, Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory.

Prince Charles and Diana, the Princess of Wales, embarked on a honeymoon cruise aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia in July 1981. Their journey began in Gibraltar. Diana later shared in letters that she used the trip to “catch up on sleep.”

In October 1936, a significant event unfolded as Edward VIII, the reigning monarch at the time, embarked on a cruise in the Adriatic Sea. Little did the world know that this cruise would later become intertwined with a burgeoning romance between Edward and Mrs. Wallis Simpson.

The cruise occurred before their relationship gained widespread attention, and Edward decided to abdicate the throne to pursue a future with Wallis.

In 1955, Princess Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiary of Iran visited Miami. During her stay, a photograph captured her walking down a street accompanied by her dog. This visit also marked the occasion when she was photographed wearing a bikini while water-skiing.

In 1996, Princess Diana also visited Miami. She attended an event at the Fontainebleau Hotel and was photographed by the poolside. King Juan Carlos of Spain has also been spotted in Miami multiple times.

While Prince Charles favored Klosters as his ski destination, Princess Diana had a different preference. Following a tragic incident in 1988, Diana refused to return to Klosters. Instead, she found a new skiing getaway in Lech.

In April 1993, Diana was seen enjoying a ski holiday in Lech. The Dutch royal family has a strong connection with Lech. Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands used to spend her winters there.

Crown Prince Akihito and Crown Princess Michiko chose this beach town for their honeymoon in April 1959. Their wedding was historic, as it marked the first time in over 2,600 years that Japan’s crown prince married a non-royal.

Emperor Taisho was the first to show interest in the area’s natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. It led to the establishment of the Imperial Summer Residence in this coastal city.

Gibraltar marked the first stop of Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s honeymoon, but their pivotal destination was Egypt. In August 1981, the couple was captured on their way to Hurghada International Airport in Egypt en route to their return to Britain, concluding their honeymoon trip.

Interestingly, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, has been known to visit Hurghada for holidays. Moreover, Princess Eugenie, the daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, chose Hurghada as part of her honeymoon destination after marrying Jack Brooksbank in 2018.

On New Year’s Eve of 1965, the iconic Princess Grace of Monaco took a vacation to the Swiss resort of Schoenried in the Swiss Alps. She was also accompanied by her children, Prince Albert and Princess Caroline. Schoenried offered exclusive resorts and accommodations catering to high-profile guests.

During their marriage, Princess Diana and Prince Charles also visited Schoenried for a skiing holiday. The village’s focus on privacy has made it a favored destination for those seeking to escape the public eye.

In August 1987, Prince Charles and his family received a gracious invitation from King Juan Carlos of Spain to spend time at Marivent Palace in Mallorca. In a memorable moment, both royal families gathered for photographs on the palace’s grand steps.

Former King Juan Carlos I of Spain had a deep love for sailing. He often participated in sailing competitions, and his yacht, the “Fortuna,” was a familiar sight around Mallorca’s waters.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, known as Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh at the time, chose Malta as their honeymoon destination in 1947. Prince Philip was stationed there with the Royal Navy, and the couple enjoyed their early days of marriage on the picturesque island.

A charming moment captured them leisurely walking together, creating a lasting memory of their time in Malta. In 2015, Malta bestowed honorary citizenship upon Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of her strong ties to the country.

In July 2006, the Dutch royal family enjoyed a picturesque summer retreat in Tavarnelle, Italy. The family, including Crown Princess Maxima, Crown Prince Willem Alexander, Princess Amalia, Princess Alexia, and Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, were captured on the grounds of their Italian summer residence.

Interestingly, Tavarnelle has historical ties to the powerful Medici family, who were prominent rulers in Renaissance Florence. Tavarnelle’s serene surroundings and slower pace of life make it an ideal retreat for royals.

In September 1963, Princess Margaret and her husband Antony embarked on a trip to Athens, Greece, with the main goal of visiting the Acropolis. Despite the uphill journey to the summit, the couple made sure to dress elegantly for the occasion.

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom also visited Athens in 1950, just a few years after she acceded to the throne. She attended the wedding of her cousin, Princess Alexandra of Kent, to Prince Peter of Greece and Denmark.

In July 1997, Princess Diana embarked on a trip to the south of France accompanied by her sons and Dodi Al Fayed. Moreover, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco were known to enjoy the charm of the town’s cobblestone streets and stunning coastline.

While not a modern royal, Napoleon Bonaparte once called the Gulf of Saint-Tropez “the most beautiful spot on Earth.” His admiration for the area speaks to its timeless appeal.

In a delightful snapshot from August 1964, Queen Paola of Belgium is captured alongside Princess Astrid during a cherished family holiday. The scenic backdrop of Forte dei Marmi, Italy, provides the perfect setting for this royal moment on the sun-kissed beach.

The town’s elegant charm has attracted notable royal guests, including the likes of Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. They have been seen enjoying strolls and relaxing moments along the beach.

Prince Charles has shared fond memories of his time in Perth, Australia, particularly his early morning swims at Cottesloe Beach in April 1983. Notably, during one of these swims, a model named Jane Priest made headlines by kissing Prince Charles on the cheek.

Prince William played in a charity polo match in Perth in 2010. The match helped raise funds for various causes and provided locals with the chance to catch a glimpse of the prince.

In 1978, Princess Grace of Monaco and her daughter, Princess Caroline, enjoyed a stroll along the beach in New Jersey. Because Grace was born in the nearby city of Philadelphia, she and her children would spend their summer vacations at their family residence in Ocean City, New Jersey.

In this snapshot, the mother-daughter duo is looking elegant yet chic in their swimwear. Royals truly know how to dress for the beach in style!

Princess Margaret, during the 1960s, enjoyed her vacations on the northern coast of the Italian island of Sardinia, a region that Prince Karim Aga Khan IV developed. Costa Smeralda has long been a playground for the rich and famous, including numerous members of royal families.

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark has also been a regular visitor to Costa Smeralda. She and her family have been spotted vacationing in the area, enjoying the sun, sea, and Italian cuisine.

Following their wedding in May 2017, Pippa Middleton and her husband, James Matthews, embarked on their honeymoon to Australia. This snapshot captures the couple’s arrival at Rose Bay Wharf via a seaplane, capturing the beginning of their Australian honeymoon adventure.

Sydney hosted the Invictus Games in 2018, which were founded by Prince Harry to celebrate and support veterans. The event brought together participants from around the world for a week of inspiring athletic competition.

During the chilly end of January in 1950, Archduke Charles Louis of Austria and Princess Yolande de Ligne embarked on their honeymoon in New York City. Despite the cold weather, the couple made sure to maintain their stylish appearance throughout their visit.

The British royal family once had a residence in New York City known as the “British Empire Building.” It was used by Queen Elizabeth II and other royals during their visits to the city. However, the building was sold in 1966 and is now the New York Palace Hotel.

Prince William and Prince Harry had their first taste of the United States magically, thanks to their mother, Princess Diana. She whisked them off to Walt Disney World for an unforgettable adventure.

While not in Orlando itself, the nearby Kennedy Space Center has hosted various royal visits. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited the space center in 1969 to witness the launch of Apollo 11, the historic mission that landed the first humans on the moon.

Prince Frederik and Princess Mary of Denmark love spending their summer vacations on the Jutland coast. This charming destination is a small fishing port renowned for its breathtaking landscapes.

Queen Margrethe II and other members of the Danish royal family often spend their summer vacations in Skagen. Skagen Church, with its distinctive tower, is a significant landmark. King Frederik VII married Countess Danner there in 1850, making it a historically important site.

Moorea’s allure extended to Princess Caroline of Monaco and her first husband, Philippe Junot, who chose the idyllic island for their honeymoon in 1978. This South Pacific paradise provided the perfect setting for the royal couple to bask in the sun, enjoy the sandy shores, and relish in the privacy that Moorea offered.

In the 19th century, Queen Pomare IV of Tahiti sought refuge in Moorea after political turmoil in Tahiti. She found solace in Moorea’s lush landscapes and serene shores.

In his heyday, King Charles was known for his adventurous spirit and active lifestyle, earning him the playful nickname “Action Man.” One of his favorite pastimes was windsurfing. A snapshot from 1978 captured King Charles in action, windsurfing in the picturesque French seaside resort town of Deauville.

Deauville gained prominence as a fashionable destination during the late 19th century, thanks in part to its proximity to Paris. European royalty and aristocracy were drawn to its elegant atmosphere and beautiful beaches.

During a working vacation that included royal engagements, Prince Charles organized a ski trip to Whistler. Accompanying him on this excursion were his 15-year-old son, Prince William, and 13-year-old son, Prince Harry. The family enjoyed the slopes and the beauty of Whistler’s snowy landscapes during this memorable getaway.

Moreover, Princess Beatrice of York celebrated her 26th birthday in Whistler in 2014. She was spotted enjoying the slopes and the après-ski scene.

Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, boasts the majestic Teide National Park with its dormant volcano peak and distinctive black sand beaches. In 1981, Queen Noor of Jordan and her son, Prince Hamzah, enjoyed the island’s crystalline waters during a vacation accompanied by the late King Hussein.

Also, Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia, now King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, enjoyed a romantic getaway to Tenerife. Their visit to the island was part of their courtship.

The Spanish royal family has made frequent visits to Baqueira Beret, a popular ski resort nestled in the Pyrenees mountain range. Notably, in 1976, King Juan Carlos of Spain, Queen Sofía of Spain, and their daughter Infanta Elena were captured on camera, hitting the slopes at this picturesque destination.

Baqueira Beret has become a favored retreat for the Spanish royals, allowing them to enjoy the snowy landscapes and partake in winter sports in the heart of the Pyrenees.

Back in 1971, Prince Charles orchestrated an adventure for British journalists as they attempted to follow his thrilling four-day safari in the Ngare Ndare Valley. One of the highlights of Ngare Ndare Valley is its canopy walk.

Elevated walkways allow visitors to traverse the treetops and enjoy stunning views of the forest. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, has also visited Ngare Ndare Valley recently during his tour of Africa.

In February 1997, Sarah, Duchess of York, hit the slopes accompanied by her young daughters, 9-year-old Princess Beatrice and 6-year-old Princess Eugenie. Little did anyone know that years later, the same picturesque setting would play a role in Princess Eugenie’s love story.

It was in Verbier that she met Jack Brooksbank, who would later become her husband. Moreover, Princess Beatrice has been spotted skiing and enjoying the resort during various winter breaks.

Numazu is located just an hour outside of Tokyo. This coastal city offers breathtaking views of the iconic Mount Fuji and is adorned with beautiful beaches.

In his youth, Crown Prince Akihito, who later became Emperor Akihito, enjoyed private swimming lessons in this seaside city. As he grew older, he returned to Numazu during his teenage years, not as a swimmer, but as a swim coach himself.

St. Moritz has had the honor of hosting the Winter Olympics twice. It has also been a favored destination for royals seeking a Swiss ski holiday. It gained its reputation as a royal winter playground in the late 19th century. European aristocrats and royals began flocking to the town for its pristine snow, stunning landscapes, and exclusive atmosphere.

In a memorable 1975 visit, Farah Pahlavi, who was the Queen and Empress of Iran until 1979, showcased her style in a fashionable pink ski outfit complemented by a cozy white hat and gloves.

Highgrove House, situated around two and a half hours away from London in Gloucestershire, England, serves as the “family home” of the King and Queen. Acquired in 1980, the property is under the ownership of the Duchy of Cornwall. Prince Charles, known for his passion for gardening, has dedicated 40 years to nurturing and enhancing the grounds of Highgrove.

He meticulously designed the gardens to create a harmonious blend with nature. Since the early 1980s, he has welcomed various groups, schools, and charitable organizations to explore the gardens.