Franklin Dean
The honeymoon destinations of royal couples are often luxurious and extravagant, ranging from country manors to private islands. For example, Princess Diana and Prince Charles spent their honeymoon sailing the Mediterranean aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. Similarly, Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon opted for a luxury cruise around the Caribbean on the Royal Yacht Britannia. More recently, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle delayed their honeymoon but were rumoured to be planning a 'mini-moon' in Dublin, with a later trip to Botswana.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Honeymoon Destination | Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Alberta, Botswana, Dublin, Tanzania, Africa, Fiji, Cyprus, Tahiti, Scotland, Balmoral, etc. |
| Honeymoon Activities | Sailing, cruising, wildlife viewing, game drives, nature walks, rhino tracking, etc. |
| Honeymoon Accommodations | Royal Yacht Britannia, Royal Retreat, Columbia Beach Resort, Birkhall Lodge, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Yacht Britannia was the former royal yacht of the British monarchy, serving the Queen and other members of the Royal Family from 1954 to 1997. During her 43-year career, the yacht travelled over one million nautical miles around the world, visiting more than 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 her coronation. The ship was intended to improve King George VI's health, but he passed away just two days after the shipyard received the order. The name of the yacht was kept a secret until the official launch, when Queen Elizabeth II announced: "I name this ship Britannia... I wish success to her and all who sail in her."
The yacht was a floating palace, boasting all the amenities the British royals could desire while at sea. It was also used as a vessel for family vacations, with the family often taking off on what became known as the Western Isles tour, cruising around the western isles of Scotland during the summer months. The ship was also used for diplomatic duties on royal tours and as a post-wedding retreat, with four royal couples enjoying their honeymoons aboard, including Princess Margaret in 1960, Princess Anne and Mark Phillips in 1973, Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1981, and Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson in 1986.
The Royal Yacht Britannia is now retired from royal service and is permanently berthed at Ocean Terminal, Leith in Edinburgh, Scotland, where it is a popular visitor attraction, welcoming over 300,000 visitors each year. The yacht has five decks open to the public, including the Bridge, Admiral's Cabin, State Dining Room, and Engine Room. Visitors can also enjoy afternoon tea, dinner, and nautical-inspired cocktails in the onboard Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar.
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Tropical locations
Other royals have chosen to honeymoon in the Americas. Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones spent their honeymoon on the Royal Yacht Britannia, exploring tropical islands like Trinidad and Antigua. Similarly, Sarah and Prince Andrew spent time on the Royal Yacht Britannia in the Atlantic and also visited the Azores Islands near Portugal.
For those looking for a more luxurious tropical escape, St. Barths in the French Riviera offers a unique combination of nightlife, relaxation, and luxury on a Caribbean island. Alternatively, Kauai in Hawaii provides a breathtaking retreat with the scents of saltwater and plumeria, alongside opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and surfing.
For those on a budget, Jamaica is a great choice, offering breathtaking beaches, great snorkelling and scuba diving, delicious local food, vibrant culture, interesting historic sites, and an active nightlife scene. Similarly, Bermuda is a short flight from the US and offers famous pink-sand beaches and turquoise waters, with plenty of free or affordable attractions, including the Royal Naval Dockyard and the Unfinished Church.
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European locations
Traditionally, royal couples have spent their honeymoons locally, in the United Kingdom. For instance, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert spent their honeymoon in 1840 at Windsor Castle. Similarly, George VI and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon spent part of their honeymoon at Polesden Lacey, a country estate in Surrey, and another part at Frogmore House, set in the Home Park of Windsor Castle.
However, some royal couples have ventured further afield in Europe for their honeymoons. For example, Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) and Prince Philip spent part of their honeymoon at Broadlands, Lord Mountbatten's house in Hampshire, England, and then went to Birkhall on the Balmoral estate in Scotland. Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon opted for a luxury trip around the Caribbean, including the islands of Mustique, Trinidad, and Antigua, but they also spent time in Surrey and Scotland.
Another European honeymoon destination is the Mediterranean, which Princess Diana and Prince Charles sailed around on the Royal Yacht Britannia. They also spent time at the royal estate in Balmoral, Scotland.
In addition, some royal couples have chosen to honeymoon in Austria. King Edward VII and Wallis Simpson, who married in France, spent their honeymoon at Schloss Wasserleonburg, a castle in southern Austria.
Other European honeymoon locations include the Azores Islands near Portugal, which Sarah and Prince Andrew cruised around on the royal yacht Britannia, and Greece, which Charles and Princess Diana also visited on their honeymoon.
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African locations
When it comes to choosing a honeymoon destination, royal couples often opt for luxurious and secluded getaways that offer a combination of relaxation and adventure. Africa, with its diverse landscapes and rich wildlife, has been a popular choice for several royal couples over the years. Here are some notable African locations that have been featured in royal honeymoons:
Seychelles
Prince William and Kate Middleton chose to escape to the remote and idyllic islands of Seychelles after their grand wedding in 2011. They spent ten days in a luxurious and exclusive private island resort, North Island, where they enjoyed the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean, a freshwater pool, a private garden, and the dedicated service of a personal chef and butler. The resort's seclusion and natural beauty provided the royal couple with the privacy and tranquility they desired for their honeymoon.
Tanzania
Tanzania, with its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife, was the chosen destination for Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark, and Mary Donaldson's honeymoon. They embarked on a three-week adventure, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, and exploring the vast wilderness on unforgettable African safaris. Their honeymoon combined physical challenges with the opportunity to connect with nature and create lifelong memories.
Botswana
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are known for their love of Africa and its serene landscapes. While their honeymoon destination was not officially confirmed, Botswana holds a special place in their hearts. The couple previously enjoyed a low-key one-year anniversary getaway in this southern African country, known for its stunning natural scenery and wildlife. Botswana offers a peaceful and off-the-grid experience, making it an ideal choice for royal couples seeking privacy and a unique connection with nature.
Namibia
Namibia, another southern African country, was rumored to be the likely destination for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's honeymoon. Known for its vast and sparsely populated landscapes, Namibia offers a quiet and secluded honeymoon experience. From desert camping under starry skies to thrilling animal safaris and once-in-a-lifetime encounters with nature, Namibia embodies the essence of a luxurious and adventurous African safari honeymoon.
In addition to these destinations, some royal couples have chosen to incorporate African elements into their honeymoons without solely focusing on the continent. For instance, Peter Phillips and his wife, Autumn, vacationed at the five-star Tuningi Lodge in South Africa for their African safari experience, complete with romantic dinners under the stars and intimate breakfasts in the bush.
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North American locations
North America has been a popular honeymoon destination for royal couples. Here are some examples:
United States
The United States has been a favoured honeymoon destination for royal couples. Prince Carl Philip of Sweden and his wife, Sofia Hellqvist, spent their honeymoon in the United States, specifically in Fiji. They spent 12 days at a luxury resort on one of the secluded islands.
Canada
Canada has also been a chosen location for royal honeymooners. In 2011, the Queen's granddaughter, Zara Phillips, and her husband, Mike Tindall, spent their honeymoon at the five-star Columbia Beach Resort near Limassol in Cyprus. The resort overlooks the beautiful Pissouri Bay and offers luxurious accommodations and stunning views.
Mexico
While there are no specific mentions of Mexico as a honeymoon destination for royal couples, it is a popular choice for luxury vacations and could certainly be an option for future royal newlyweds seeking privacy and relaxation in North America.
North America offers a range of diverse destinations, from tropical beaches to snowy mountains, making it an ideal choice for royal couples seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation during their honeymoon.
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Frequently asked questions
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle delayed their honeymoon, but it was rumoured that they were planning a 'mini-moon' in Dublin. They also stayed at the luxurious Hoanib Valley Camp in Botswana.
Prince Charles and Princess Diana honeymooned at the royal estate in Balmoral, as well as on the Royal Yacht Britannia as it sailed around the Mediterranean.
King Edward VII and Wallis Simpson honeymooned at Schloss Wasserleonburg, a castle in southern Austria.
