Source: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/…ly-actually-12036658
(Content by Swara S)
As members of one of the oldest monarchies, the royal family of the United Kingdom takes several diplomatic trips and meets dignitaries from around the world. Probably this is why their idea of a perfect honeymoon is always remote and private. Over the years, couples of Kensington Palace have chosen low-key trips after their weddings.
British royal couples are known to favor a few special places for their honeymoon. When it’s time for you to choose your first-holiday destination as husband and wife, take inspiration from these regal spots:
1) Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom and Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh
Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/201…rince-philip/8498272
Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth first met in 1934 at the wedding of Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark to the Duke of Kent. It was a love at first sight for the 13-year-old Elizabeth and 18-year-old Philip. Four years later, young Philip was invited by the royal family to spend Christmas at Windsor Palace. The couple got married in 1947 at Westminster Abbey.
Honeymoon:
Source: https://www.horseandhound.co.u…stud-balmoral-637721
The couple spent the first half of their honeymoon at Broadlands House in Hampshire, owned by the Prince’s uncle Lord Mountbatten. For the second half of their honeymoon, they chose Birkhall (the childhood home of the Queen) on the Balmoral Estates of Scotland. The royal couple had a second honeymoon in Malta in the Mediterranean to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. During the early days of their marriage, the couple had lived in Malta so the place has a sentimental value for them.
What Tourists Can Do:
The Balmoral Castle is open to the common people from April to July. During this time the public can visit the royal gardens, gift shops, cafes and the castle’s grand ballroom. Tourists can also book one of the guest houses in the estate for a royal treatment during their vacation.
2) Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon and Antony Charles Robert Armstrong- Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon (The only sibling of Queen Elizabeth II and her ex-husband).
Source: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/e…age-the-crown-facts/
The Princess met her photographer husband at a dinner party in 1958 and the duo hit it off right away. However, it was only after Armstrong-Jones was commissioned to photograph the Princess a few months later that they started a secret love affair. The 1960 wedding of the couple was the first royal wedding to be telecasted on the television. It was viewed by 300 million people from around the world.
Honeymoon:
Source: https://www.caribjournal.com/2015/08/15/a-perfect-little-caribbean-island/#
The couple went on a 6-week honeymoon aboard the royal yacht Britannia and explored islands of Trinidad, Mustique, and Antigua.
What Tourists Can Do:
If you are a traveler with a royal obsession, book a stay at Les Jolies Eaux- the former royal residence that was a wedding present to Princess Margaret. The villa costs around $34,000 per week.
3) Anne, Princess Royal and Captain Mark Anthony Peter Phillips (The only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and her ex-husband).
Source: https://www.cheatsheet.com/ent…first-marriage.html/
The couple’s shared love for horses and equestrian sports led to their first meeting at the Munich Olympic Games in 1972. The Captain proposed the Princess in April next year at the Badminton horse trials and the royal family announced their engagement the next month. They got married in November 1973. The ceremony was watched by 500 million people from around the world.
Honeymoon:
Source: https://www.countrylife.co.uk/…-best-for-you-153428
For their honeymoon, the couple flew to Barbados and boarded the royal yacht Britannia. They cruised around the Caribbean Islands and ended their trip in the Galapagos Islands.
What Tourists Can Do:
Caribbean is home to hundreds of beautiful islands and tourists may have trouble deciding which island to visit. For a romantic getaway, consider escaping to Saint Lucia. For nightlife, try Cancún. For a fine dining experience choose Barbados. Regardless of which island you choose, carry your best swimsuit because there’s going to be lots of beaches, water, and swimming. Check out Zivame.com for honeymoon-worthy swimwear options.
4) Charles, Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales (The eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and his ex-wife).
Source: https://www.rd.com/culture/pri…rincess-diana-story/
Prince Charles and Princess Diana had known each other since 1977 but started dating only in 1980. The Prince proposed Princess Di only six months into the relationship and the couple exchanged vows in July 1981. The wedding was billed as the “wedding of the century” that was watched by more than 750 million viewers.
Honeymoon:
Source: https://www.womanandhome.com/l…ned-barbecue-289789/
The couple began their three-month honeymoon at the Mountbatten estate of Broadlands. It was followed by a 12-day cruise on the royal yacht Britannica through the Greek Islands. They stopped at Balmoral and spent the rest of their honeymoon in a hunting lodge.
What Tourists Can Do:
The Balmoral Estates has five cottages that general public can rent on a weekly basis. Book your stay in one of these and have access to everything that makes the estate so regal. From fly fishing in the river Dee and enjoying a match at the private golf course to strolling around the estate and appreciating works of local art galleries, you will never fall short of things to do here. If you are lucky, you may also run into the Queen walking her corgis in the estate.
5) Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Sarah, Duchess of York (Second son of Queen Elizabeth II and his ex-wife).
Source: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/…lence-prince-4924552
The couple knew each other since childhood but began a romantic relationship in 1985. The Prince proposed ‘Fergie’ on his 26th birthday and a year later they got married at Westminster Abbey. Reports suggest that it was Princess Diana who had helped the couple get together in the first place.
Honeymoon:
Source: https://www.thecultureist.com/…gals-exotic-islands/
The newlyweds jetted off to the Azores near Portugal for their honeymoon. They then spent five days on the royal yacht Britannia sailing across the Atlantic Ocean.
What Tourists Can Do:
This far-flung archipelago is best for nature lovers and fans of adventure sports. From whale watching and diving to hiking and playing numerous water sports, you may find yourself confused with the number of choices. The Azores has also been hosting a paragliding festival for last 20 years!
6) Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Sophie, Countess of Wessex (Youngest son of Queen Elizabeth II and his wife).
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/news…keover-Prince-Philip
Sophie, the Countess of Wessex met her prince charming at the Queen’s Tennis Club in London in 1993. The couple began dating soon afterward. He proposed her in January 1999 and six months later they married at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. The wedding was not a state ceremony as per the couple’s wishes.
Honeymoon:
Source: https://twitter.com/crownchron…/1021712163445059585
The couple retreated to Birkhall in Scotland for their honeymoon, the same place where the Queen had honeymooned. They spent nine days at the 50,000-acre estate. Though they originally planned only a week-long holiday, they extended their stay following an unexpected bout of glorious weather.
What Tourists Can Do:
Not everyone is lucky to get an invitation to stroll at Prince Charles’ garden in Birkhall. If not, you may indulge in wildlife watching tours around Birkhall and spot different species of deer, grouse, and dippers. Visit the Ballater Golf Club that is at a distance of ten minutes from Birkhall to enjoy a match.
7) Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (Eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and his second wife).
Source: https://people.com/royals/prin…ectionate-interview/
Prince Charles met his wife for the first time at a polo match in Windsor. The duo dated for some time before the Duchess married Andrew Parker Bowles in 1973 and the Prince married Princess Diana in 1981. The marriages didn’t work out and the couples eventually divorced. The Prince and the Duchess got married in 2015 in a civil ceremony after much drama and media hype.
Honeymoon:
Source: https://www.thecrownchronicles…l-gardens-in-floods/
The couple began their honeymoon at Birkhall at the Balmoral Estates in Scotland. The stay was followed by a cruise around the Greek Islands on a yacht owned by billionaire tycoon Spiros Latsis.
What Tourists Can Do:
The Birkhall lodge is not open to common people, but one can find cottages around the area. However, to raise funds for his charities the Prince sends a handful of invitations every year to selected people.
8) Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (Eldest son of Prince Charles and Princess Diana and his wife).
Source: https://www.dnaindia.com/world…r-third-baby-2607799
Prince William fell for a 19-year-old Catherine when she was walking the ramp at the University fashion show where the duo was studying in 2001. The couple was in a long distance relationship for around 5 years before Prince William proposed the Duchess in 2010 with Princess Di’s sapphire engagement ring. They got married in 2011.
Honeymoon:
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/travel…t-resorts/index.html
For their honeymoon, they chose a private north island in Seychelles. Seychelles had a special place in their hearts as this is the same place they visited in 2007 after getting back together after a brief breakup. The island has 11 villas, each with a private pool and direct access to the beach. Guests arrive and depart by a helicopter.
What Tourists Can Do:
Seychelles has around 115 islands with beautiful white sand beaches. Picking one favorite island is as difficult as choosing one resort from plenty of ultra-luxurious options. Tourists enjoy diving, snorkeling and wildlife spotting in the islands.
09) Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (Younger son of Prince Charles and Princess Diana and his wife).
Source: https://ca.hellomagazine.com/r…n-passenger-surprise
The duo was introduced to each other by a mutual friend whose name still remains a mystery. They met over drinks for the first time in July 2016 and it clicked right away. The prince claims that only two dates later he persuaded the Duchess to join him on a trip to Botswana. The central stone in her engagement ring comes from the same place. The couple got married in May 2018 in a much-hyped ceremony.
Honeymoon:
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had an extremely private honeymoon away from public eyes. According to news reports, most senior members of the royal household staff also had no idea where the couple went on their honeymoon. It is said that only the Queen and Prince William know where the couple retreated.
Conclusion
From cruising in Europe and retreating in Caribbean islands to enjoying private time in a remote property, royals have chosen the most beautiful destinations in the world for their honeymoon. These royal approved destinations are worth considering if you are planning your honeymoon or an office escape in the future.
