Junior Rasmussen
Royal couples have a long history of jetting off to luxurious and exotic honeymoon destinations. From private islands in the Seychelles to yachts in the Mediterranean, these newlyweds know how to celebrate their nuptials in style. While some royal couples opt for privacy and seclusion, others embrace the media frenzy and share their romantic getaways with the world. Whether it's climbing mountains in Tanzania or sailing around the Greek islands, each royal honeymoon is a unique reflection of the couple's personality and interests. So, where will the next royal couple choose to spend their first days of wedded bliss? Will they follow in the footsteps of their predecessors or forge their own path to a new destination? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: it's sure to be a honeymoon to remember.
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What You'll Learn
Tropical locations, private islands and yachts
Tropical locations, private islands, and yachts are popular choices for royal couples to spend their honeymoons. Prince William and Kate Middleton, for instance, honeymooned in the Seychelles, staying at the exclusive luxury private island resort North Island, which has only 11 villas and costs upwards of $6,000 a night. The resort offered a private garden, a freshwater pool, a personal chef, and a butler. Similarly, Prince Carl Philip of Sweden and model Sofia Hellqvist vacationed for 12 days at a luxury resort on one of Fiji's small, secluded islands, where rooms start at $6,000 a night.
Princess Caroline of Hanover and Parisian banker Philippe Junot chose Tahiti and its surrounding islands in French Polynesia as their honeymoon destination. Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco also sailed to tropical locations for their honeymoon, exploring the Galapagos Islands on board a yacht.
Some royal couples have chosen to honeymoon on private yachts. Princess Diana and Prince Charles, for instance, spent part of their honeymoon sailing the Mediterranean on the Royal Yacht Britannia, the royal family's final yacht, which was named by Queen Elizabeth II. Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall also honeymooned on a yacht, hopping across the Greek islands on a vessel owned by billionaire Spiros Latsis.
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Far-flung destinations
For royal couples, honeymoons are not just honeymoons. They are extravagant trips to far-flung destinations, often involving yachts and tropical locales.
Prince William and Kate Middleton jetted off to one of the most remote islands in the world, the Seychelles, for their honeymoon. They stayed in a $6,000-a-night luxury villa on a secluded island, where they enjoyed a private garden, a freshwater pool, a personal chef, and a butler. The couple had previously visited the Seychelles and reportedly made a pact to marry there one day.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle delayed their honeymoon but eventually travelled to the luxurious Hoanib Valley Camp in Namibia. The camp has just six villas, providing the ultimate intimate getaway. Before their marriage, the couple had also spoken about their love for Africa, a continent that holds a special place in their hearts.
Princess Diana and Prince Charles spent part of their honeymoon at Balmoral Castle on the royal family's Scottish estate. They then sailed the Mediterranean for two weeks aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, the royal family's final yacht, which was named by Queen Elizabeth II.
Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco also sailed on their honeymoon, opting for a cruise around the Galapagos Islands on a 147-foot yacht gifted to them by Aristotle Onassis.
Princess Caroline of Hanover and her husband, Parisian banker Philippe Junot, chose Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia as their honeymoon destination after their star-studded wedding.
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Luxurious accommodation
When it comes to luxurious accommodation for royal couples on their honeymoons, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, as each couple's preferences and choices vary. However, here are some examples of the lavish places where royal couples have stayed on their honeymoons:
Private islands and beach resorts
Some royal couples have sought seclusion and privacy on private islands or exclusive beach resorts. For instance, Prince William and Kate Middleton chose a remote island in the Seychelles for their honeymoon, staying in a luxury villa with a freshwater pool, a private garden, a personal chef, and a butler. The resort, located on North Island, boasts only 11 villas and offers an intimate escape with rates starting at $6,000 per night. Similarly, Prince Carl Philip of Sweden and his wife, Sofia Hellqvist, jetted off to a secluded island in Fiji, enjoying the turquoise waters and private beaches of Laucala.
Yachts and sailing
Sailing on luxurious yachts is another popular choice for royal couples. Princess Diana and Prince Charles, along with other royal couples, spent part of their honeymoon sailing the Mediterranean on the Royal Yacht Britannia. This yacht offered them privacy and the opportunity to explore various islands and destinations along the Mediterranean coast. Other royal couples who chose sailing honeymoons include Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco, who sailed the Mediterranean on their yacht, "Deo Juvante II", and later explored the Galapagos Islands.
Country manors and castles
For those who prefer a more landlocked option, country manors and castles provide an equally luxurious experience. King Edward VII and Wallis Simpson, for instance, spent their honeymoon at Birkhill Lodge, part of the Balmoral Estate in Hampshire, which was owned by Philip's uncle, Lord Mountbatten. Another royal couple, Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones, chose to honeymoon on the Royal Yacht Britannia, but they also spent time at Polesden Lacey, a manor house in Surrey, offering a blend of countryside charm and opulence.
Luxury train journeys
Luxury train journeys are another unique option for royal couples seeking a combination of opulence and exploration. Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark, and Mary Donaldson embarked on a three-week honeymoon in Tanzania, Africa, which included a luxury train journey across Rajasthan, India, visiting cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. This type of trip offers a blend of cultural immersion and lavish accommodations.
Five-star resorts
For royal couples seeking the ultimate in modern luxury, five-star resorts in exotic locations are a popular choice. Princess Caroline of Hanover and her husband, Parisian banker Philippe Junot, honeymooned in Tahiti, staying in an overwater bungalow at the five-star Four Seasons Bora Bora resort. This option provides all the amenities and services one could desire, set in a breathtaking tropical location.
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Adventure activities
Sailing and Yachting
A popular choice for royal couples, sailing offers a combination of exploration and relaxation. Princess Diana and Prince Charles spent part of their honeymoon sailing the Mediterranean aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. They also did not hesitate to sail even when the seas got choppy! Other royal couples who chose sailing as part of their honeymoon include Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall, who sailed across the Greek islands, and Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones, who explored islands such as Trinidad and Antigua on the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Hiking and Mountain Climbing
For those who enjoy physical challenges and exploring nature, hiking and mountain climbing can be exhilarating activities. Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark, and Mary Donaldson chose to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, during their honeymoon in Tanzania. This adventurous activity provided them with a unique and memorable experience.
Wildlife Safaris
What better way to immerse yourself in nature than by going on a wildlife safari? Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark, and Mary Donaldson also included African safaris in their Tanzanian honeymoon, allowing them to admire the diverse wildlife of the region.
Island Hopping
For royal couples who want a mix of adventure and relaxation, island hopping can be the perfect choice. Prince William and Kate Middleton chose to honeymoon in the Seychelles, enjoying the privacy and natural beauty of this remote archipelago. Similarly, Princess Caroline of Hanover and Parisian banker Philippe Junot ventured throughout the islands of French Polynesia, including Tahiti, offering them a diverse range of landscapes and cultural experiences.
Exploring Medieval Cities
For those who crave a mix of adventure and cultural immersion, exploring medieval cities can be fascinating. The son of Juan Carlos I and Sofia of Greece, along with his bride, chose to begin their honeymoon in Cuenca, a medieval fortified city in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. They explored artistic sites and admired the famous hanging houses suspended from sheer cliffs overlooking the Huécar river.
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Cultural experiences
Royal couples have enjoyed a plethora of cultural experiences on their honeymoons over the years. Here are some examples:
Princess Diana and Prince Charles
Princess Diana and Prince Charles spent part of their honeymoon at Balmoral Castle on the royal family's Scottish estate. They also sailed the Mediterranean on the Royal Yacht Britannia for two weeks.
King Edward VII and Wallis Simpson
King Edward VII and Wallis Simpson spent their honeymoon at Birkhill Lodge, part of the Balmoral Estate in Hampshire, and home to Lord Mountbatten, the uncle of Philip, who was then just a prince. They also travelled to the hills of Gailtal, Austria, where they stayed at the country-luxe Schloss Wasserleonburg castle.
Prince William and Kate Middleton
Prince William and Kate Middleton jetted off to the Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands located off the East African coast. They stayed in a luxury villa costing $6,000-a-night on a particularly secluded island.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle delayed their honeymoon but eventually travelled to Hoanib Valley Camp in Namibia.
Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark, and Mary Donaldson
Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark, and Mary Donaldson enjoyed a three-week honeymoon in Tanzania, Africa. They climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and went on African safaris.
Princess Caroline of Hanover and Philippe Junot
Princess Caroline of Hanover and Philippe Junot chose Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia as their honeymoon destination.
King Abdullah II of Jordan and Rania Al-Yassin
King Abdullah II of Jordan and Rania Al-Yassin met at a dinner party set up by his sister in 1993. They honeymooned in Cyprus, a sunny island in the Eastern Mediterranean.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan and Jetsun Pema
The royal couple travelled to India for their honeymoon, embarking on a luxury train journey across Rajasthan, with stops in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur.
Prince Carl Philip of Sweden and Sofia Hellqvist
Prince Carl Philip of Sweden and Sofia Hellqvist honeymooned at a luxury resort on one of Fiji's small, secluded islands.
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Frequently asked questions
The couple 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 particularly secluded island.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle delayed their honeymoon, but when they did, they went to Hoanib Valley Camp in Namibia.
The couple spent part of their honeymoon at Balmoral Castle on the royal estate in Scotland before sailing the Mediterranean aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia.
The couple sailed throughout the Galapagos Islands on a 147-foot yacht.
The couple chose Tahiti and ventured throughout the islands of French Polynesia.
