50 Photos of the Royal Family on Vacation Through the Years
Even royals need some R&R every now and then.
Even the royal family needs some R&R from time to time. Safaris in the valleys of Africa, skiing in the Alps, catching waves off islands in the Caribbean—royals know how to take advantage of their vacation days. According to ABC News, members of the royal family worked an average of 85 days in 2019, which is about one-third of the 253 days that normal citizens of the U.K. work. (Fun fact: For the third year in a row, Princess Anne is the hardest working royal, working a total of 167 days out of the 365 calendar year.) As for this past year, the family worked 761 days in total. That's not even including all the off-the-record engagements they may have had to take for personal reasons. So when they really need to get away, the royals go all out. From lavish trips to Spain to the Bahamas, feast your eyes on just a few of the Windsor's most envy-inducing vacations, ahead.
Cape Town, South Africa
The Sussex's first trip as a family (although, sadly, Archie didn't make an appearance) was to Africa for a 10-day trip. Here, the new parents sit down to snack on Cape Malay koesisters, which is a local pastry in the area that's similar to a donut.
Blatchford Lake, Canada
It was the first vacation for Prince William and Kate as newlyweds, and the photos did not disappoint. The couple went on a canoe ride together, learned about leather making, and had this cute moment.
Nevis Island
Nevis is said to be Princess Diana's favorite island. Here, in 1993, she and nine-year-old Harry caught some massive waves. It's said they stayed at the 19-room Montpelier Plantation & Beach.
Lech, Austria
Check out Prince Harry and Prince William's eyewear! Here, they're on a ski trip with their mother to Austria, which was Diana's preferred ski spot, rather than Charles' favorite, Klosters in Switzerland. Sadly, a friend of the royal family died in an avalanche that nearly caught Prince Charles in its way, and Diana refused to return to Klosters.
Trinidad
Shortly after a champagne brunch, Princess Margaret and her new husband boarded the Royal Yacht Brittania to depart for their six-week honeymoon through the Caribbean, stopping in Trinidad, Antigua, and the Princess' favorite, Mustique. They were the first couple to take the royal yacht, but the yacht may be cursed: Every couple that's used it for their honeymoon has wound up getting divorced.
Egypt
Always known for her fashion choices, Diana coordinated her outfits during her royal tour of Egypt in 1992 to match the landmarks she'd be visiting. She'd accepted an invite to visit from First Lady Suzanne Mubarak, and apparently called the landmarks she'd seen "breathtaking." She had a lasting impact on the country: After her passing, Egyptian television cleared its schedules and carried live coverage of her funeral.
Botswana, Africa
Princess Diana was never shy about her love for Africa, and she's passed on that love to her sons. They've taken several trips to the continent, but Harry has a specific place in his heart for Botswana. In 2008, he took girlfriend Chelsy Davy on a trip there, and he and now-wife Meghan Markle have taken two trips there: one in 2016, and one in 2017 to celebrate Meghan's birthday.
Balearic Islands
It's a whole gang of royalty! This star-studded clan all took a vacation together, along with their children in 1990. Who's there? Along with Charles and Diana, Princess Elena of Spain, Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, former King Constantine of Greece, Princess Theodora of Greece, Queen Sophia of Spain, and King Juan Carlos of Spain were all invited on the trip to these Spanish islands.
Scrabster, Scotland
During a celebration for Prince Andrew's 50th birthday and Prince Anne's 60th birthday, members of the royal family gathered on the Hebridean Princess boat in Scotland for a two-week cruise hosted by the Queen. In addition to the birthday celebrants, Prince Edward, his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, their children Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn, were included.
Sandringham
Princess Anne's daughter, Zara Phillips, enjoys a riding lesson on the family's estate in Sandringham after the New Year holiday in 1987. The royal family travels to Sandringham every December and celebrates the Christmas holiday at St. Mary Magdalene Church.
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