Royal Vacations: The Favorite Destinations Of The Royal Family

Favored by: Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince Charles and Lady Diana
Years visited: 2004, 1986
Est. cost: $50,000 per week*

Klosters, Switzerland, has been a favorite holiday destination for British Royals for decades. In the 1980s, King Charles III and his then-wife, the late Princess Diana, frequented the ski resorts and were no strangers to the slopes.

Klosters, Switzerland ©Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

With its charming chalets and stunning Alps views, Klosters offers the perfect mix of glamour and natural beauty. Clearly, Will and Kate thought so as well. The scenic backdrop served as the setting for the pair’s first public kiss as a couple in 2004.

Favored by: Princess Diana with Harry and William
Years visited: 1990
Est. cost: $40,000 per week*

Owned by Richard Branson, Necker Island is a popular destination for the British Royal Family and has been for years. In recent years, the island has hosted dozens of big-name celebs, including the Obama family, but it was Lady Di’s New Year visit to the paradise island with her young princes in 1991 that got people talking.  

Necker Island, Bahamas @expresswebsite/Pinterest

When Princess Diana and her sons William (7) and Harry (5) visited Necker Island, they appeared ‘normal’ in the public eye, not like royalty. They played on the white sandy beach and swam in the amazingly clear sea. They let the world see them as people, not royalty.

Favored by: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
Years visited: 1947
Est. cost: $10,000 per week*

The small Mediterranean island of Malta has attracted a number of royal visitors over the years, including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, respectively. Unlike most British royals that have frequented Malta, the Duke of Edinburgh and the then-Princess had a special connection to the place. 

Malta @dailymail/Pinterest

The country’s rich history can be seen in the ancient ruins and stunning architecture, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Valletta. The beautiful beaches and clear blue waters make it a perfect destination for relaxation and exploration. However, Malta also happened to be where Philip found himself stationed in 1947 while enlisted in the Royal Navy.

Favored by: Prince William and Prince Harry
Years visited: 2010
Est. cost: $1,000 per week*

One of the most exotic and remote destinations visited by the Royal Family, Meno a Kwena is a luxury camp located on the banks of the Boteti River in Botswana. In 2010, Prince William and Prince Harry visited the camp during a trip to Africa. 

Meno a Kwena, Botswana @dailymail/Pinterest

The Royal duo enjoyed game drives and met with local communities, immersing themselves in the wildlife and culture of Botswana. The camp’s rustic elegance and breathtaking views make it a prime destination for adventurous travelers seeking an unforgettable African experience.

Favored by: King Charles III
Years visited: Annually
Est. cost: $160 million for the Sandringham House*

The Royal Family often takes a break from the grandeur of their palaces to spend time in the countryside. They have been known to visit the stunning beaches of Norfolk, on the East Coast of England. The family frequents Sandringham Estate, where they stay in a lavish 19th-century country home. 

Norfolk, England @usweekly/Pinterest

This area is the perfect place to escape city life and enjoy peaceful surroundings, as well as partake in outdoor activities like horse riding and hunting. The Royal Family enjoys their time here so much that they even spend Christmas in this charming county.

Favored by: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip
Years visited: 1972
Est. cost: Unknown

Located in Aberdeenshire, Balmoral is a stunning Scottish castle that has been a private residence of the British royal family since being gifted to Queen Victoria in 1856 by Prince Albert. The castle has become a favorite of several royals over the years, but one visit stands out over the others. 

Balmoral, Scotland ©Fox Photos/Getty Images

Way back in 1972, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip chose Balmoral as the location for their silver anniversary getaway. It doesn’t get much better than a quiet place in the countryside with fishing, hiking, plenty of places to unwind, and Royal chefs.

Favored by: Prince Charles, Lady Diana, Princes Will and Harry
Years visited: 1987
Est. cost: $25,000 per week*

Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, has hosted British royals for many years. The island offers stunning beaches, picturesque villages, and the dramatic Tramuntana mountain range. Mallorca’s warm climate and luxurious surroundings make it the perfect destination for a relaxing and luxurious getaway.

Mallorca, Spain @the_telegraph/Pinterest

That’s what Charles, Diana, and their kids used it for in 1987, at least. Being royalty means knowing royals from other nations. In this case, Charles got an invitation to holiday with the King of Spain and his family in Mallorca. An offer he couldn’t refuse.

Favored by: King Charles III and Camilla
Years visited: 2017, 2022
Est. cost: $150,000 per week*

Corfu is a stunning island in Greece that has seen its fair share of Royal visitors. In 2017, Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, visited the island and stayed in a beautiful villa with breathtaking views. Corfu is known for its picturesque beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming villages. 

Corfu, Greece @dailymail/Pinterest

The royal couple explored the island’s many attractions, including the historic Old Town and the Achilleion Palace. With a mix of history, culture, and stunning scenery, it’s easy to see why the Royal Family loves to vacation in Corfu.

Favored by: Princess Diana
Years visited: 1993
Est. cost: $100,000 per week*

With its charming Alpine village, stunning mountain scenery, and vast skiing opportunities, Lech is a perfect holiday spot for avid skiers. Lech isn’t as “royal” as some of Switzerland’s resorts, but it became Lady Di’s new go-to after an avalanche claimed the life of a friend of hers at Klosters a few years prior to her 1993 visit.  

Lech, Austria @jrzjerry/Pinterest

Besides skiing, visitors can enjoy hiking, tobogganing, or indulging in the area’s famous culinary delights. Lech is undoubtedly a winter wonderland fit for a royal family, especially when staying in a $100,000-per-week luxury villa.

Favored by: Prince Harry
Years visited: 1993, 2016
Est. cost: $10,000 per week*

Orlando is famous for its theme parks and attractions, including Disney World and Universal Studios. The British royal family has visited this popular vacation spot multiple times, including a very memorable trip Prince Harry and Prince William took with their mother, Princess Diana, in 1993. 

Orlando, Florida @Cnn/Pinterest

The trio did what any mother with two young children and a deep pocket would do. They went to Disney World. As evident by numerous paparazzi snapshots, they had a great time on the rides and exploring the magical park. Prince Harry later returned in 2016 to attend the Invictus Games, a Paralympic-style event for injured service personnel.

Favored by: Prince William
Years visited: 1989, 2016, 2020
Est. cost: $17,500 per week*

The Isles of Scilly, off the southwestern tip of England, boast breathtaking natural beauty and a relaxed atmosphere. In 1989, Princess Diana and her sons William and Harry stayed at Tresco Abbey Garden on the island of Tresco. The family enjoyed the stunning white sandy beaches and visited the subtropical gardens, which are home to exotic plants from all over the world. 

Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom ©Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The peaceful and idyllic location is a popular retreat for the British royals, as evidenced by Prince William returning in 2016 and then again a few years later as a father and husband, taking his kids on holiday.

Favored by: Prince William and Prince Harry
Years visited: 1998
Est. cost: $12,000 per week*

Known for its breathtaking scenery, another favorite vacation spot of the British Royal Family is Whistler, a ski resort town in Western Canada. With its stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, Whistler offers a range of outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, and zip-lining during the summer months.

Whistler, Canada ©Tim Graham/Getty Images

During the winter, the Royal Family has been known to hit the slopes in Whistler and stay at the luxurious Fairmont Chateau Whistler. With world-class restaurants, spas, and shops, Whistler is a great vacation spot for those who love the outdoors and a bit of luxury. 

Favored by: Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones
Years visited: 1960, 1967
Est. cost: $12,000 per week*

In 1967, Princess Margaret and the Earl of Snowdon, Antony Armstrong-Jones, escaped to Nassau for a well-deserved break. Nassau is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, and this wasn’t their first time there. 

Nassau, Bahamas ©Bettmann/Getty Images

Boasting stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and lively local culture, this tropical paradise was also where the then-married couple spent their honeymoon. While it’s unknown where the couple stayed during their second go-around together in the Bahamas, we do know a royal yacht named Britannia hosted them the first time.

Favored by: Prince Charles
Years visited: 1978
Est. cost: $5,000+ per week*

The charming seaside town of Deauville is a favorite of the British Royal Family. Prince Charles visited the Normandy town in 1978 while still single and looking to mingle. The area is known for its elegant architecture, lively casino, and picturesque beaches. It’s the perfect spot for a Prince on the prowl.

Deauville, France ©Tim Graham/Getty Images

The family is said to favor the historic Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy for its elegant accommodations and sea views. Whether strolling the boardwalk or exploring the local markets, Deauville is a must-see destination.