George Boyle
Royal honeymoon destinations are often kept under wraps until after the couple returns, but that doesn't stop speculation about where they might be headed. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, for example, were rumoured to be going to Namibia, or Canada, but royal reporters said that if a location leaks, the couple is advised to change their plans for safety reasons. So, where have royals gone on honeymoon?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Honeymoon Destinations | North Island in the Seychelles, Balmoral, Azores Islands, Birkhall Lodge in Scotland, Broadlands House in Hampshire, Greek Islands, Cyprus, Columbia Beach Resort, Tuningi Lodge, Fiji’s small islands, Canada |
| Honeymoon Activities | Sailing, cruising, hunting, playing golf, tennis, beach picnics, safari, island hopping, romantic train journeys |
| Honeymoon Length | 5 days, 2 weeks, 3 months, 12 days, 6 weeks, 1 week and a half, 12 days |
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What You'll Learn
Royal couples who honeymooned in Scotland
Royal couples have embarked on numerous honeymoon destinations over the years, with some choosing to honeymoon in Scotland. Here are some royal couples who chose Scotland as their honeymoon destination:
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip
The Queen and Prince Philip spent the first part of their honeymoon at Broadlands House in Hampshire, the family home of the Mountbattens (Prince Philip's family). They then headed to Birkhall Lodge, a hunting lodge in Scotland, which was also Prince Philip's uncle's home.
Princess Diana and Prince Charles
After their wedding, Princess Diana and Prince Charles spent part of their honeymoon at Balmoral Castle on the royal estate in Scotland. They then sailed the Mediterranean for two weeks aboard the royal yacht Britannia.
Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones
Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones had a low-key honeymoon at Birkhall Lodge in Scotland, keeping it simple after their wedding at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.
The Queen Mother and King George VI
Then known as Elizabeth Windsor and Philip Mountbatten, the Queen Mother and King George VI began their honeymoon at Broadlands, a country house in Hampshire. They then headed to Birkhall in Scotland, which was Elizabeth's childhood home on the Balmoral estate.
The Duke and Duchess of York
The Duke and Duchess of York, Sarah and Andrew, spent the first part of their honeymoon near Dorking, staying in Polesden Lacey, a manor house in Surrey. They then headed north to Scotland, to Glamis Castle, the Bowes-Lyon family home.
Scotland has been a popular honeymoon destination for royal couples, offering a mix of scenic beauty and privacy. These couples chose to spend their post-wedding days in the Scottish countryside, enjoying the tranquility and natural surroundings that the country offers.
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Royal couples who honeymooned on the Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Yacht Britannia was a beloved home away from home for Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh, and their children. It was used by the family from 1953 or 1954 until 1997 when it was decommissioned. Britannia was built at the shipyard of John Brown & Co. Ltd in Clydebank, Dunbartonshire, and was launched by Queen Elizabeth II on April 16, 1953. It was commissioned on January 11, 1954.
During its 43 to 44 years of service, the yacht travelled over a million nautical miles around the world, visiting 600 ports in 135 countries. Now retired, it is permanently berthed at Ocean Terminal, Leith in Edinburgh, Scotland, serving as a popular tourist attraction.
Britannia was also a popular honeymoon spot for royal couples. Four different newlywed royal couples celebrated their nuptials aboard the yacht. Here are the details of these royal couples who honeymooned on the Royal Yacht Britannia:
Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong-Jones (1960)
Princess Margaret and her husband, Anthony Armstrong-Jones (the Earl of Snowdon), were the first royal couple to honeymoon on the Britannia. They enjoyed a Caribbean cruise in 1960, visiting glamorous destinations such as Trinidad, Antigua, and Mustique. Princess Margaret's honeymoon was noted for its elegance and glamour, with the princess wearing a long dress with jewels and a tiara each night for dinner, while her husband donned a dinner jacket.
Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips (1973)
Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips took their honeymoon cruise aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia in 1973. Unfortunately, their trip was marred by storms and 20-foot waves, which left the couple seasick for the first week of their Caribbean honeymoon.
Prince Charles and Princess Diana (1981)
In 1981, Prince Charles and Princess Diana chose the Royal Yacht Britannia for their honeymoon, embarking on an 11-day Mediterranean cruise. They visited destinations such as Tunisia, Sardinia, Greece, and Egypt, starting their journey in Gibraltar. Diana boarded the yacht in a stylish floral white silk dress by Donald Campbell and a blue camisole.
Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson (1986)
The final royal honeymoon aboard the Britannia was enjoyed by Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, in 1986. They travelled around the Azores, continuing the tradition of royal couples honeymooning on this majestic yacht.
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$15.99
Royal couples who honeymooned in the UK
The United Kingdom has been a popular honeymoon destination for royal couples over the years. Here are some notable examples:
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
The newly married Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip spent the initial part of their honeymoon at Broadlands, Lord Mountbatten's house in Hampshire. They then travelled to Birkhall on the Balmoral estate in Scotland, where they enjoyed hunting in the snow. The Queen's corgi, Susan, even travelled with them, smuggled under blankets in their carriage!
King Edward VII and Wallis Simpson
This couple's marriage was kept secret, as King Edward had to renounce the throne in 1936 to marry the divorced Wallis Simpson. They spent their honeymoon at Schloss Wasserleonburg, a castle in the hills of Gailtal, southern Austria. Simpson described it as "really lovely and peaceful".
Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon
Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones were the first royal couple to broadcast their wedding day on television. They spent their honeymoon on the Royal Yacht Britannia, sailing to islands such as Trinidad and Antigua in the Caribbean.
Prince Charles and Princess Diana
Following their wedding, Prince Charles and Princess Diana spent time at Balmoral Castle on the royal estate in Scotland. They then sailed the Mediterranean on the Royal Yacht Britannia, stopping at various Greek islands.
Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones
This royal couple kept their honeymoon simple with a low-key visit to Birkhall Lodge in Scotland, following their wedding at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.
Zara and Mike Tindall
Zara, the Queen's granddaughter, and Mike Tindall had to postpone their honeymoon due to their respective sporting careers. They eventually managed a break at the Columbia Beach Resort near Limassol in Cyprus, which overlooks the Pissouri Bay.
Peter Phillips and Autumn Phillips
The Queen's grandson Peter Phillips and his wife Autumn spent their honeymoon at the five-star Tuningi Lodge in Africa. They reportedly struck a deal with the hotel, receiving a free stay in exchange for promotion.
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Royal couples who honeymooned in Africa
Royal couples have often chosen to spend their honeymoons in Africa. Here are some examples:
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle chose to honeymoon in East Africa, visiting more than two countries. They partook in activities such as safaris and other outdoor adventures. Africa holds a special place in the couple's heart as it was the place where they fell in love and vacationed before their engagement. Harry even sourced a diamond for Meghan's engagement ring from Botswana.
Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly
The Queen's grandson, Peter Phillips, and his wife, Autumn, honeymooned at the five-star Tuningi Lodge in Africa. They enjoyed a romantic African safari, with dinner under the stars, breakfast in the bush, and a private swimming pool.
Kate Middleton and Prince William
Kate Middleton and Prince William jetted off to the Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands located off the East African coast. They stayed in a $6,000-a-night luxury villa on a secluded island, enjoying features such as indoor and outdoor showers, plunge pools, butlers, and a private cinema.
Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco
Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco chose the princess's native South Africa for their traditional post-wedding vacation. However, the couple reportedly stayed in separate hotels, leading to much media speculation.
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Royal couples who honeymooned in Asia
Royal couples have often chosen exotic and luxurious destinations for their honeymoons. While not all of these trips have been to Asia, some have included Asian destinations as part of their itinerary.
Kate Middleton and Prince William
Kate Middleton and Prince William jetted off to the Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands located off the East African coast. They reportedly stayed in a $6,000-a-night luxury villa on a secluded island, enjoying the idyllic setting and privacy.
Princess Diana and Prince Charles
Princess Diana and Prince Charles spent part of their honeymoon at Balmoral Castle on the royal estate in Scotland. They then set sail on the Royal Yacht Britannia, sailing the Mediterranean for two weeks, stopping at various Greek islands.
Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco
Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco sailed throughout the Galapagos Islands on a 147-foot yacht gifted to them by Aristotle Onassis. They also sailed the Mediterranean on their yacht, "Deo Juvante II".
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Jetsun Pema of Bhutan
The royal couple of Bhutan, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Jetsun Pema, treated themselves to a nine-day honeymoon adventure throughout India after their wedding in 2001.
Prince Carl Philip of Sweden and Sofia Hellqvist
Prince Carl Philip of Sweden and model Sofia Hellqvist chose a luxurious island getaway in Fiji for their honeymoon. They stayed at the Laucala private island escape, where rooms start at $6,000 a night, enjoying the turquoise waters and private beaches.
Nick and Zoe Aust
While not a traditional royal couple, Nick and Zoe Aust embarked on a year-long honeymoon travelling to 33 countries, including several in Asia. They swam in the Indian Ocean in their wedding attire in the Seychelles, stayed in the Maldives, explored Japan, and posed in front of the Taj Mahal in India.
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Frequently asked questions
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's honeymoon destination was kept private, but there was speculation that they went to Canada, Africa, or Namibia.
William and Kate spent their honeymoon on North Island in the Seychelles.
Charles and Diana went to Broadlands, Balmoral, and then on a cruise around the Mediterranean on the Royal Yacht Britannia, stopping at various Greek islands.
The Queen and Prince Philip spent the first part of their honeymoon at Broadlands House in Hampshire, followed by a cruise on the Royal Yacht Britannia, stopping in Malta. They then went to Scotland, staying in a hunting lodge on the Balmoral Estate.
