George Boyle
Royal honeymoons are often synonymous with luxury and extravagance. From country manors to private islands, royal couples throughout history have celebrated their nuptials in style. While some royals have opted for more low-key honeymoons, others have embarked on grand tours, sailing trips, and even safaris to commemorate their marriages. In recent times, there has been much speculation about the honeymoon destinations of Prince William and Kate Middleton, as well as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. With the world at their fingertips, the choices for royal couples are endless, and their honeymoons continue to capture the public's imagination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones | Royal Yacht Britannia exploring islands like Trinidad and Antigua |
| Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip | Broadlands, Lord Mountbatten’s house in Hampshire, Birkhall on the Balmoral estate |
| Princess Diana and Prince Charles | Balmoral, Royal Yacht Britannia, Mediterranean cruise |
| Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson | Azores islands of Portugal, Atlantic Ocean |
| Zara and Mike | Columbia Beach Resort in Cyprus |
| Duke and Duchess of Cambridge | Seychelles |
| Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall | Cyprus |
| Prince William and Kate Middleton | North Island in the Seychelles |
| King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan and Jetsun Pema | India |
| Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark, and Mary Donaldson | Copenhagen |
| Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Africa, specifically Namibia |
| Prince Carl Philip of Sweden and Sofia Hellqvist | Fiji |
| King Abdullah II of Jordan and Rania Al-Yassin | N/A |
Explore related products
Royal Yacht Britannia
Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia, or HMY Britannia, was the British monarchy's royal yacht from 1954 to 1997. During her 43-year career, the yacht travelled more than one million nautical miles around the world, visiting over 600 ports in 135 countries. Britannia was built at the shipyard of John Brown & Co. Ltd in Clydebank, Dunbartonshire, and was launched by Queen Elizabeth II on 16 April 1953, less than two months before the Queen's coronation. The ship was intended to improve King George VI's health, but he passed away before he could sail on her.
Britannia has hosted four royal honeymoons, including that of Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong-Jones in 1960, Princess Anne and Mark Phillips in 1973, Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1981, and Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, in 1986. The yacht was a popular choice for royal honeymoons due to its luxurious accommodations and ability to provide privacy and seclusion for the newlywed couples.
Today, Britannia is permanently berthed at Ocean Terminal, Leith in Edinburgh, Scotland, where it has become a popular visitor attraction, drawing over 300,000 visitors each year. The yacht features five decks that are open to the public, including the Bridge, Admiral's Cabin, State Dining Room, and Engine Room. Visitors can also enjoy afternoon tea, dinner, and cocktails at the onboard Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar.
Honeymooners: Timing the Perfect Post-Wedding Getaway
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Caribbean Islands
The Caribbean Islands have been a popular honeymoon destination for the British royal family. Princess Anne and her first husband, Mark Phillips, spent their honeymoon sailing across the Caribbean on the Royal Yacht Britannia, exploring islands such as Trinidad and Antigua. They boarded the ship in Barbados, but their trip was disrupted by storms and high waves.
Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon also chose the Caribbean for their honeymoon, opting for a luxury cruise around the islands of Mustique, Trinidad, and Antigua on the Royal Yacht Britannia. They enjoyed formal dinners in full evening dress in the royal apartments and spent time sunbathing.
While not technically part of the Caribbean, the Galapagos Islands have also been a popular honeymoon destination for royals. Princess Anne and Mark Phillips ended their honeymoon with a trip to the Galapagos, and Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco also visited the islands after their wedding.
In addition to these royal couples, other members of the British royal family have chosen tropical destinations for their honeymoons. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, for example, spent their honeymoon on North Island in the Seychelles, while Zara and Mike Tindall chose to postpone their honeymoon and later travelled to Cyprus for a romantic getaway at the Columbia Beach Resort.
Honeymooners' Comedy: Running Years Revealed
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Country Manors
One such manor is the 15th-century manor house near Dorchester, which boasts a Great Hall, rich Tudor architecture, and furnishings, as well as striking gardens with topiary yews. Thomas Hardy, the renowned novelist, was known to frequent this manor during his youth. Another example is the country seat of Victorian Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli near High Wycombe, which served as a tranquil escape for the statesman from 1848 to 1881.
For those seeking a more accessible glimpse into the lives of the Lord of the Manor, villages and small towns offer a selection of country manors with a more intimate and lived-in feel. Plas Mawr in the walled town of Conwy, North Wales, is one such example. Built for a wealthy Welsh merchant, this Elizabethan townhouse is renowned for its ornamental plasterwork, opulent furnishings, and décor.
Some royal couples have also chosen to spend their honeymoons in country manors. Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) and Prince Philip spent the first part of their honeymoon at Broadlands, the country home of PM Viscount Palmerston and Lord Mountbatten, in Romsey. The manor, built in the early 1800s, retains the feeling of a real home. Another famous couple, King Edward VII and Wallis Simpson, chose to honeymoon at Schloss Wasserleonburg, a castle in southern Austria. Today, the site is a cosy country house hotel.
Exploring Honeymoon Bay Tasmania: A Travel Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61uavUUGx2L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![The Royal Tenenbaums (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81bN3xPF0FL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Mediterranean Cruise
Princess Elizabeth (Queen Elizabeth II) and Prince Philip spent the first half of their honeymoon in Hampshire before travelling to Scotland. Following this, they went on a cruise in the Mediterranean Sea, sailing from Gibraltar.
Princess Diana and Prince Charles also spent the first few days of their honeymoon in Hampshire, at Broadlands, before flying to Gibraltar, where they boarded the royal yacht Britannia for a two-week cruise in the Mediterranean. They then travelled to the Balmoral Estate in Scotland.
Princess Caroline, the eldest daughter of Grace Kelly, honeymooned on the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia. Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco, however, sailed the Mediterranean on their yacht, Deo Juvante II, for their honeymoon.
Honeymoon Havens in the US: Where to Go?
You may want to see also
Africa
Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) and Prince Philip spent part of their honeymoon at Broadlands, Lord Mountbatten's house in Hampshire, before enjoying a hunting trip at Birkhall on the Balmoral estate in Scotland. Similarly, Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon opted for a luxury cruise around the Caribbean, visiting islands such as Mustique, Trinidad, and Antigua.
The Queen's grandson, Peter Phillips, and his wife, Autumn, chose to honeymoon in Africa as well. They stayed at the five-star Tuningi Lodge, where they enjoyed their first African safari, romantic dinners under the stars, and breakfast in the bush.
Other royal couples have also explored different parts of Africa for their honeymoons. Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones kept it low-key with a visit to Birkhall Lodge in Scotland. Meanwhile, King Edward VII and Wallis Simpson, after their secret wedding, honeymooned at Schloss Wasserleonburg, a castle in southern Austria.
Honeymoon Bliss: A Cartoonist's Take on Newlywed Life
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
They spent their honeymoon at Birkhill Lodge, part of the Balmoral Estate in Hampshire, and home of Philip's uncle, Lord Mountbatten. They also spent time at Broadlands House in Hampshire, owned by Philip's godfather Lord Mountbatten.
Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones spent their honeymoon on the Royal Yacht Britannia, exploring islands like Mustique, Trinidad and Antigua.
William and Kate travelled by private jet to North Island in the Seychelles for their honeymoon.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle delayed their honeymoon, but it is speculated that they returned to Africa, with royal watchers betting on Namibia.
They spent their honeymoon in Austria, at Schloss Wasserleonburg, a country-luxe castle.
