Birkhall Estate, Scotland
Birkhall Estate enjoys a quiet reputation in royal circles. In 1852, Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband, purchased Birkhall shortly after acquiring Balmoral and its extensive 50,000-acre grounds, as reported by Country Life. After the passing of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, in 2002, King Charles inherited Birkhall.
In 2005, he and Queen Camilla reportedly spent their honeymoon there. The couple often chooses to spend their summers at this 18th-century estate. Charles was even interviewed at Birkhall for the 2018 documentary “Prince, Son, and Heir: Charles at 70.”
Ray Mill House, England
Just a short 15-minute drive from Highgrove, you’ll find Ray Mill House, Queen Camilla’s private residence in Wiltshire. As reported by The Sun, Camilla acquired the property in 1996 after her divorce from Andrew Parker Bowles. Ray Mill House is known to be a cherished place where she often gathers with her children and grandchildren.
Last summer, fans saw the property’s gardens when Camilla graced the pages of a special edition of Country Life. During this feature, she even invited Kate Middleton to capture her photo.
Isles of Scilly, England
Princess Kate and Prince William often escape to the Isles of Scilly during the summer months with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Prince Charles has been visiting these islands since his childhood, often accompanied by his mother, Princess Diana, and his siblings, including Prince Harry.
Adding to the island’s charm, William and Kate surprised locals a few summers back by riding around Tresco with their kids. Witnesses shared that the couple looked genuinely joyful.
Amner Hall, England
During school breaks, weekends, and holidays, the Wales family finds solace at Amner Hall in Norfolk. Nestled on the Sandringham Estate, Queen Elizabeth gifted this charming country home to Prince William and Princess Kate as a wedding present in 2011.
From 2015 to 2017, it served as their main residence. Amner Hall holds a special place in Princess Kate’s heart, and it’s where she feels most comfortable.
Petra, Jordan
Some of Kate Middleton’s childhood years were spent in Jordan. This connection to the country seemed to have inspired a family trip there years later. In 2021, Kate and William shared a glimpse of their family vacation to Jordan through their Christmas card and a Father’s Day photo.
The image captured a relaxed and happy atmosphere, with Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis dressed casually and sporting wide smiles.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Prince Harry’s fondness for Botswana is evident in the engagement ring he designed for Meghan. He chose a diamond from Botswana as the centerpiece of her three-stone engagement ring, with two smaller diamonds from Princess Diana’s collection on either side. Meghan has described the ring as “perfect.”
In their engagement interview with the BBC in 2017, Prince Harry shared that he convinced Meghan to join him in Botswana. The couple spent five days camping under the stars, an experience that brought them closer together. The couple’s trip to Botswana, which also served as their third date, was featured in the Netflix series Harry & Meghan.
Portugal
In the recent episode of her podcast Tea Talks with the Duchess and Sarah, Sarah Ferguson shared that Princess Eugenie, along with her sons August, aged two, and Ernest, who is just two months old, was in Portugal. Eugenie shares her children with her husband, Jack Brooksbank.
Last year, Jack began a new job requiring the family to spend time in the United Kingdom and Portugal. This recent trip to Portugal could be significant for baby Ernest, as it marks his first international travel experience.
Nevis, the Caribbean
Princess Diana had a strong affection for the Caribbean. She was particularly drawn to places like Richard Branson’s private Necker Island and Nevis. During her trips to the Caribbean, Diana was often spotted enjoying beach outings and water activities.
She relished swimming, sunbathing, and playing in the sand with her children. A memorable photograph of her from 1993 shows her joyfully splashing around in the waters of Nevis.
Balmoral Castle, Scotland
Among Queen Elizabeth’s collection of royal properties, Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands holds a unique place. The royal family has possessed this retreat since 1845, and it was at Balmoral that Prince Philip chose to propose to the late Queen.
Balmoral Castle was, without a doubt, the Queen’s cherished summer haven, with August being her customary month-long stay. The castle served as a sanctuary, drawing family and friends together to revel in its outdoor treasures, including hunting, fishing, horseback riding, picnics, and hikes.
Mustique, the Caribbean
Long before her marriage to Prince William, Kate Middleton had been enjoying family vacations on the island. Their connection to Mustique deepened when they joined the festivities of Basil’s Bar’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2019 alongside none other than Mick Jagger. The Duchess even chose the island for Prince George’s official birthday portrait.
Mustique has been a favored retreat for generations of the Windsor family. Princess Margaret owned a villa named Les Jolies Eaux, perched above Macaroni Beach. Paparazzi are prohibited to this tropical haven.
Island of Corfu, Greece
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall have repeatedly enjoyed their summer breaks on the enchanting Greek island. Corfu is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and lush olive groves. Their visits have included stays on a luxurious superyacht and at a charming villa on the mainland.
Corfu holds a poignant connection for the couple. It is the birthplace of Prince Charles’s father, Prince Philip, born there in 1921. This adds an extra layer of sentiment to their choice of vacation spot.
The Cotswolds, England
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex temporarily leased a rural residence in Oxfordshire in the heart of the Cotswolds. They eventually departed from the location due to security concerns. However, Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, reveals his affectionate description of the invigorating air in that particular region of England.
Encompassing a sprawling 100 acres, the grounds feature diverse amenities such as a serene lake, a charming pub, a deli, an exclusive movie theater, a Cowshed spa, and grass tennis courts.
Klosters, Switzerland
Klosters, Switzerland, is a charming alpine village known for its picturesque landscapes and winter sports activities. Before their marriage, Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, embarked on multiple ski vacations here. This location held special significance for William, having frequented it with his family during his upbringing.
The village maintains a traditional Swiss Alpine atmosphere, with wooden chalets and a relaxed ambiance. Interestingly, during one of the trips to Klosters, William and Kate shared their first public kiss.
Nassau, Bahamas
Princess Margaret and her former husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones, the Earl of Snowdon, shared a memorable visit to Nassau in March 1967. The couple must have been in love with this Caribbean destination, as evidenced by their previous six-week honeymoon cruise aboard the royal yacht Britannia in 1960.
Interestingly, Nassau has a rich history of piracy during the 17th and 18th centuries. The island was a haven for infamous pirates like Blackbeard and Calico Jack.
Surrey, England
Surrey is home to many royal residences, including Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle. The county has a long history of royal connections and is known for its ties to the British monarchy.
The Duke and Duchess of York, later known as King George VI and the Queen Mother, chose Polesden Lacey, a charming manor house in Surrey, for their honeymoon. A snapshot from their 1923 trip captures them enjoying a leisurely walk.
Gibraltar
Despite being located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula and bordered by Spain, Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory.
Prince Charles and Diana, the Princess of Wales, embarked on a honeymoon cruise aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia in July 1981. Their journey began in Gibraltar. Diana later shared in letters that she used the trip to “catch up on sleep.”
Adriatic Sea
In October 1936, a significant event unfolded as Edward VIII, the reigning monarch at the time, embarked on a cruise in the Adriatic Sea. Little did the world know that this cruise would later become intertwined with a burgeoning romance between Edward and Mrs. Wallis Simpson.
The cruise occurred before their relationship gained widespread attention, and Edward decided to abdicate the throne to pursue a future with Wallis.
Miami, USA
In 1955, Princess Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiary of Iran visited Miami. During her stay, a photograph captured her walking down a street accompanied by her dog. This visit also marked the occasion when she was photographed wearing a bikini while water-skiing.
In 1996, Princess Diana also visited Miami. She attended an event at the Fontainebleau Hotel and was photographed by the poolside. King Juan Carlos of Spain has also been spotted in Miami multiple times.
Lech, Austria
While Prince Charles favored Klosters as his ski destination, Princess Diana had a different preference. Following a tragic incident in 1988, Diana refused to return to Klosters. Instead, she found a new skiing getaway in Lech.
In April 1993, Diana was seen enjoying a ski holiday in Lech. The Dutch royal family has a strong connection with Lech. Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands used to spend her winters there.
Hayama, Japan
Crown Prince Akihito and Crown Princess Michiko chose this beach town for their honeymoon in April 1959. Their wedding was historic, as it marked the first time in over 2,600 years that Japan’s crown prince married a non-royal.
Emperor Taisho was the first to show interest in the area’s natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. It led to the establishment of the Imperial Summer Residence in this coastal city.
Hurghada, Egypt
Gibraltar marked the first stop of Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s honeymoon, but their pivotal destination was Egypt. In August 1981, the couple was captured on their way to Hurghada International Airport in Egypt en route to their return to Britain, concluding their honeymoon trip.
Interestingly, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, has been known to visit Hurghada for holidays. Moreover, Princess Eugenie, the daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, chose Hurghada as part of her honeymoon destination after marrying Jack Brooksbank in 2018.
Schoenried, Switzerland
On New Year’s Eve of 1965, the iconic Princess Grace of Monaco took a vacation to the Swiss resort of Schoenried in the Swiss Alps. She was also accompanied by her children, Prince Albert and Princess Caroline. Schoenried offered exclusive resorts and accommodations catering to high-profile guests.
During their marriage, Princess Diana and Prince Charles also visited Schoenried for a skiing holiday. The village’s focus on privacy has made it a favored destination for those seeking to escape the public eye.
Mallorca, Spain
In August 1987, Prince Charles and his family received a gracious invitation from King Juan Carlos of Spain to spend time at Marivent Palace in Mallorca. In a memorable moment, both royal families gathered for photographs on the palace’s grand steps.
Former King Juan Carlos I of Spain had a deep love for sailing. He often participated in sailing competitions, and his yacht, the “Fortuna,” was a familiar sight around Mallorca’s waters.
Malta
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, known as Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh at the time, chose Malta as their honeymoon destination in 1947. Prince Philip was stationed there with the Royal Navy, and the couple enjoyed their early days of marriage on the picturesque island.
A charming moment captured them leisurely walking together, creating a lasting memory of their time in Malta. In 2015, Malta bestowed honorary citizenship upon Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of her strong ties to the country.
Tavarnelle, Italy
In July 2006, the Dutch royal family enjoyed a picturesque summer retreat in Tavarnelle, Italy. The family, including Crown Princess Maxima, Crown Prince Willem Alexander, Princess Amalia, Princess Alexia, and Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, were captured on the grounds of their Italian summer residence.
Interestingly, Tavarnelle has historical ties to the powerful Medici family, who were prominent rulers in Renaissance Florence. Tavarnelle’s serene surroundings and slower pace of life make it an ideal retreat for royals.
Athens, Greece
In September 1963, Princess Margaret and her husband Antony embarked on a trip to Athens, Greece, with the main goal of visiting the Acropolis. Despite the uphill journey to the summit, the couple made sure to dress elegantly for the occasion.
Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom also visited Athens in 1950, just a few years after she acceded to the throne. She attended the wedding of her cousin, Princess Alexandra of Kent, to Prince Peter of Greece and Denmark.
St. Tropez, France
In July 1997, Princess Diana embarked on a trip to the south of France accompanied by her sons and Dodi Al Fayed. Moreover, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco were known to enjoy the charm of the town’s cobblestone streets and stunning coastline.
While not a modern royal, Napoleon Bonaparte once called the Gulf of Saint-Tropez “the most beautiful spot on Earth.” His admiration for the area speaks to its timeless appeal.
Forte dei Marmi, Italy
In a delightful snapshot from August 1964, Queen Paola of Belgium is captured alongside Princess Astrid during a cherished family holiday. The scenic backdrop of Forte dei Marmi, Italy, provides the perfect setting for this royal moment on the sun-kissed beach.
The town’s elegant charm has attracted notable royal guests, including the likes of Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. They have been seen enjoying strolls and relaxing moments along the beach.
Perth, Australia
Prince Charles has shared fond memories of his time in Perth, Australia, particularly his early morning swims at Cottesloe Beach in April 1983. Notably, during one of these swims, a model named Jane Priest made headlines by kissing Prince Charles on the cheek.
Prince William played in a charity polo match in Perth in 2010. The match helped raise funds for various causes and provided locals with the chance to catch a glimpse of the prince.
Ocean City, New Jersey
In 1978, Princess Grace of Monaco and her daughter, Princess Caroline, enjoyed a stroll along the beach in New Jersey. Because Grace was born in the nearby city of Philadelphia, she and her children would spend their summer vacations at their family residence in Ocean City, New Jersey.
In this snapshot, the mother-daughter duo is looking elegant yet chic in their swimwear. Royals truly know how to dress for the beach in style!
Costa Smeralda, Italy
Princess Margaret, during the 1960s, enjoyed her vacations on the northern coast of the Italian island of Sardinia, a region that Prince Karim Aga Khan IV developed. Costa Smeralda has long been a playground for the rich and famous, including numerous members of royal families.
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark has also been a regular visitor to Costa Smeralda. She and her family have been spotted vacationing in the area, enjoying the sun, sea, and Italian cuisine.
Sydney, Australia
Following their wedding in May 2017, Pippa Middleton and her husband, James Matthews, embarked on their honeymoon to Australia. This snapshot captures the couple’s arrival at Rose Bay Wharf via a seaplane, capturing the beginning of their Australian honeymoon adventure.
Sydney hosted the Invictus Games in 2018, which were founded by Prince Harry to celebrate and support veterans. The event brought together participants from around the world for a week of inspiring athletic competition.
New York City, USA
During the chilly end of January in 1950, Archduke Charles Louis of Austria and Princess Yolande de Ligne embarked on their honeymoon in New York City. Despite the cold weather, the couple made sure to maintain their stylish appearance throughout their visit.
The British royal family once had a residence in New York City known as the “British Empire Building.” It was used by Queen Elizabeth II and other royals during their visits to the city. However, the building was sold in 1966 and is now the New York Palace Hotel.
Orlando, Florida, USA
Prince William and Prince Harry had their first taste of the United States magically, thanks to their mother, Princess Diana. She whisked them off to Walt Disney World for an unforgettable adventure.
While not in Orlando itself, the nearby Kennedy Space Center has hosted various royal visits. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited the space center in 1969 to witness the launch of Apollo 11, the historic mission that landed the first humans on the moon.
Skagen, Denmark
Prince Frederik and Princess Mary of Denmark love spending their summer vacations on the Jutland coast. This charming destination is a small fishing port renowned for its breathtaking landscapes.
Queen Margrethe II and other members of the Danish royal family often spend their summer vacations in Skagen. Skagen Church, with its distinctive tower, is a significant landmark. King Frederik VII married Countess Danner there in 1850, making it a historically important site.
Moorea, French Polynesia
Moorea’s allure extended to Princess Caroline of Monaco and her first husband, Philippe Junot, who chose the idyllic island for their honeymoon in 1978. This South Pacific paradise provided the perfect setting for the royal couple to bask in the sun, enjoy the sandy shores, and relish in the privacy that Moorea offered.
In the 19th century, Queen Pomare IV of Tahiti sought refuge in Moorea after political turmoil in Tahiti. She found solace in Moorea’s lush landscapes and serene shores.
Deauville, France
In his heyday, King Charles was known for his adventurous spirit and active lifestyle, earning him the playful nickname “Action Man.” One of his favorite pastimes was windsurfing. A snapshot from 1978 captured King Charles in action, windsurfing in the picturesque French seaside resort town of Deauville.
Deauville gained prominence as a fashionable destination during the late 19th century, thanks in part to its proximity to Paris. European royalty and aristocracy were drawn to its elegant atmosphere and beautiful beaches.
Whistler, Canada
During a working vacation that included royal engagements, Prince Charles organized a ski trip to Whistler. Accompanying him on this excursion were his 15-year-old son, Prince William, and 13-year-old son, Prince Harry. The family enjoyed the slopes and the beauty of Whistler’s snowy landscapes during this memorable getaway.
Moreover, Princess Beatrice of York celebrated her 26th birthday in Whistler in 2014. She was spotted enjoying the slopes and the après-ski scene.
Tenerife, Spain
Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, boasts the majestic Teide National Park with its dormant volcano peak and distinctive black sand beaches. In 1981, Queen Noor of Jordan and her son, Prince Hamzah, enjoyed the island’s crystalline waters during a vacation accompanied by the late King Hussein.
Also, Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia, now King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, enjoyed a romantic getaway to Tenerife. Their visit to the island was part of their courtship.
The Pyrenees Mountains, Spain & France
The Spanish royal family has made frequent visits to Baqueira Beret, a popular ski resort nestled in the Pyrenees mountain range. Notably, in 1976, King Juan Carlos of Spain, Queen Sofía of Spain, and their daughter Infanta Elena were captured on camera, hitting the slopes at this picturesque destination.
Baqueira Beret has become a favored retreat for the Spanish royals, allowing them to enjoy the snowy landscapes and partake in winter sports in the heart of the Pyrenees.
Ngare Ndare Valley, Kenya
Back in 1971, Prince Charles orchestrated an adventure for British journalists as they attempted to follow his thrilling four-day safari in the Ngare Ndare Valley. One of the highlights of Ngare Ndare Valley is its canopy walk.
Elevated walkways allow visitors to traverse the treetops and enjoy stunning views of the forest. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, has also visited Ngare Ndare Valley recently during his tour of Africa.
Verbier, Switzerland
In February 1997, Sarah, Duchess of York, hit the slopes accompanied by her young daughters, 9-year-old Princess Beatrice and 6-year-old Princess Eugenie. Little did anyone know that years later, the same picturesque setting would play a role in Princess Eugenie’s love story.
It was in Verbier that she met Jack Brooksbank, who would later become her husband. Moreover, Princess Beatrice has been spotted skiing and enjoying the resort during various winter breaks.
Numazu, Japan
Numazu is located just an hour outside of Tokyo. This coastal city offers breathtaking views of the iconic Mount Fuji and is adorned with beautiful beaches.
In his youth, Crown Prince Akihito, who later became Emperor Akihito, enjoyed private swimming lessons in this seaside city. As he grew older, he returned to Numazu during his teenage years, not as a swimmer, but as a swim coach himself.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
St. Moritz has had the honor of hosting the Winter Olympics twice. It has also been a favored destination for royals seeking a Swiss ski holiday. It gained its reputation as a royal winter playground in the late 19th century. European aristocrats and royals began flocking to the town for its pristine snow, stunning landscapes, and exclusive atmosphere.
In a memorable 1975 visit, Farah Pahlavi, who was the Queen and Empress of Iran until 1979, showcased her style in a fashionable pink ski outfit complemented by a cozy white hat and gloves.
Highgrove House, Gloucestershire, England
Highgrove House, situated around two and a half hours away from London in Gloucestershire, England, serves as the “family home” of the King and Queen. Acquired in 1980, the property is under the ownership of the Duchy of Cornwall. Prince Charles, known for his passion for gardening, has dedicated 40 years to nurturing and enhancing the grounds of Highgrove.
He meticulously designed the gardens to create a harmonious blend with nature. Since the early 1980s, he has welcomed various groups, schools, and charitable organizations to explore the gardens.
25+ Moments That Show the Mothers of the Royal Family Are Truly Amazing
Diana Doing the School Run
Not even years of royal tradition could keep Diana from taking her boys to school. Despite the constant barrage of paparazzi watching and capturing her every move, the “People’s Princess” did all she could to give her boys a semi-normal life.
We can only praise her efforts, as we know how harshly she was judged for her actions while she was alive. The rest of the royal family could certainly take a page out of her book of motherhood, tweaking the rules just a little bit.
Kate Playing With Her Children
Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, is following in her famous mother-in-law’s footsteps as she lovingly plays with her children while attending polo matches and other activities. Usually dressed in jeans and sneakers, Kate looks casual as she plays in the grass.
Pictured here encouraging George to crawl on the grass at a sporting event, the royal looks happy — and absolutely glamorous — as she ignores the cameras and focuses all her attention on the little royal, who one day stands to be king as he is second in line to the throne after his father, William.
Meghan: A Conventional Mum
Meghan and Harry shocked the royal family — and the world — when they decided against giving their newborn son a royal title. A celebrity before she met the red-headed Prince, Meghan knows a thing or two about living life in the public eye.
While many turned their noses up at the idea of young Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor growing up without a title, Meghan knows what she’s doing as she tries her utmost to give her kid a normal childhood. Well done, Meghan!
Diana the Working Mother
Royal life comes with its own duties and responsibilities. From foreign tours to gala events, the life of a working royal isn’t an easy one. But that didn’t stop Princess Diana from spending time with her beloved children as often as she could.
For Diana, that meant often taking her children with her. Pictured here on a visit to Australia in 1993, Diana lovingly cradles William as she and Prince (now King) Charles step off the plane to be greeted by foreign dignitaries.
Kate, the Multi-Tasking Mom
Multi-tasking is one of the most important abilities a mother could possess. And for Kate, this means wrangling kids at her sister Pippa’s wedding at St Mark’s Church in Berkshire in May 2017.
Attending to the kids in the bridal party, we can appreciate that Kate did her best to ensure that her children were happy and that her sister’s wedding went off without a hitch.
Meghan’s Return to Royal Duties
Meghan Markle made her return to royal duty when little Archie was only four months old. While this might seem normal to some, four months isn’t nearly enough time to bond with a baby.
But Meghan showed the world what a phenomenal mother she is as she and Harry visited South Africa with Archie in tow. Pictured here on their tour, Meghan is ever the doting mother as she cradles her baby boy while smiling for the camera.
Diana’s Scheduling Prowess
Diana had the fantastic ability to schedule her life in such a way that she got to spend time with her kids. From taking the boys to school to planning ski trips and other fun activities, Diana knew how to plan her life.
It can’t be easy being a mother and a Princess of Wales, but Diana got it right every time. She was often photographed playing with her sons. In this instance, she’s seen playing with her children in the garden of Kensington Palace in 1986.
Kate, the Sports Coach
How does Kate get it right? With royal duties, children, and a husband to take care of, the Duchess of Cambridge still finds the time to coach children in various sports like tennis. An avid sportswoman herself, Kate believes in investing her time in helping others.
Photographed coaching a young girl on her tennis skills, the royal easily engages with the girl, giving her the best tips and tricks to improve her swing and, ultimately, her game. Bravo, Kate, on helping others reach their potential.
Meghan, the Role Model
Meghan Markel inspired little girls around the globe to be who they want to be when she spoke at the Girl Up 2020 Leadership Summit in July of that year. Speaking about choosing your own happiness while facing much criticism from one of the world’s most famous families, we could all take a page out of Meghan’s book.
Meghan is an inspiration and should be praised for her forward-thinking while being a part of a family that stands for tradition and duty. It can’t be easy, but we believe that she’s showing her children that there’s more to life than just what people expect of you because of your title.
Pregnancy and Princess Life
Pregnancy doesn’t mean a break from royal duties. As Diana proved, she could do both with ease. Throughout her pregnancies with both her sons, Diana continued her royal duties, hosting foreign dignitaries and attending benefits.
While the outfits were less than glamorous, it would require more than a shapeless dress to detract from Diana’s true “English Rose,” which made her a favorite with the royals and the public and made her the best choice for Charles.
Kate’s Pregnancy Woes
Kate suffered with her first pregnancy and was later diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum — a serious pregnancy complication that saw her admitted to the hospital with more than just a case of bad morning sickness.
The young royal battled Hyperemesis Gravidarum through all three of her pregnancies, taking time out from her royal duties on those days when she could barely get up. Sigh. The things we go through for our children! Kate showed us that even royal mothers have their struggles.
Meghan, the Glowing Mother
Meghan worked right through her pregnancy, only stopping her royal appearances and duties just before she gave birth to her son Archie. While we know the struggles of looking perfect while pregnant, Meghan got it right every time.
Pictured here with her beautiful bump, Meghan smiled and waved for the cameras while lovingly holding on to her husband during a royal appearance. The former actress gave birth to her son on May 6th, 2019.
Diana’s Feud With the Paparazzi
In a bid to give her sons as normal an upbringing as she could, Diana was fiercely protective of William and Harry being photographed every time the family stepped foot outside their Kensington Palace home.
From covering their faces to telling off the waiting paparazzi, Diana did all she could to protect her children when she was out and about with the boys. At times she was successful, but others not.
Kate and the Paparazzi
Kate was the ideal choice for royal life as she tried her best to smile and engage with the paparazzi. While Diana fought against the cameramen, Kate took it in her stride, encouraging her little ones to smile and wave.
It just goes to show that while it may not be the same approach as her mother-in-law adopted for her children, Kate, too, wants the best for her children. She does things her own way and raises her children to be as polite as possible to everyone they meet.
Meghan and the Paparazzi
The paparazzi, and the media in general, haven’t always been kind to Meghan. Often criticized for her choice of dress or the way she holds her baby, Meghan and Harry cited the British Press’s dislike for Meghan as one of their main reasons for leaving the U.K.
Pictured here innocently holding her newborn son, Meghan would go on to be slated as a bad mother as she tried to wrestle the squealing baby while at a social event. We, personally, see nothing wrong with this and congratulate her for looking elegant while probably exhausted.
Diana Getting Down and Dirty
Diana was quite inspiringly never one to shy away from playtime with her boys and was often seen down on her hands and knees as she played with her princes in the gardens of Kengsington or on family trips to the beach.
Seen here being buried in the sand by a group of children while on one of these outings, Diana loved nothing more than to engage with her sons and other children as she showed the world what a great and loving mother she was.
Kate’s Playtime Practices
Kate, too, is a royal mother who has no problem getting dirty. Pictured here running on the grass with her children at a Polo match, she wears jeans and pumps, choosing comfort over glam to play with young George and Charlotte.
We take our hats off to Kate as she mothers her children in an effortless manner, keeping to the traditions and rules that the royal family has held for many generations. It certainly can’t be easy, but she somehow manages to combine the two perfectly.
Meghan Chooses Normal Life
Meghan continued what Diana tried to do — give her offspring as normal a life as possible. While her strategy involved the family leaving the royal family and moving to L.A., we can’t find fault with her or Harry’s decision to protect their children at all costs.
Gone are the stuffy posed photographs as Meghan shares videos and pictures of the children celebrating their birthdays at home, playing in the garden, and just having a merry time of it. While their life might still be very much publicized, Archie and little Lillibet will have quite a different life compared to that of their royal cousins.
Diana’s Hugs and Kisses
Royal protocol restricted public displays of affection between royals, but that didn’t stop Diana from hugging and kissing her children as much as she could and wanted to — even when she knew she was being photographed doing so.
Pictured on the verge of enveloping her darling boys in a massive hug onboard the yacht Britannia, Diana was overjoyed to be reunited with her children while on a royal trip to Canada in 1991. Not even tradition could stop Diana from loving her children, and we’re here for it!
Kate’s Gentle Mothering
Royal life isn’t all stoicism. Pictured here at a charity regatta with Princess Charlotte, Kate Middleton laughs as her daughter pulls faces at the waiting cameramen. While she does encourage her little girl to stop, she, too, sees the funny side of things.
While it would be easy to tell her child off for pulling faces, Kate knows that this display is nothing more than a childhood tantrum and handles the whole situation calmly and, let’s be honest, bravely. We know all too well how difficult toddlers and small children can be.
Meghan and Her Babies
Meghan, like many others, is hopelessly in love with her child, choosing to cuddle him as close to her as possible. Always photographed holding the young boy, Meghan has that look about her that just shows how much she loves him.
She reminds us of Diana with her boys, which just goes to show that, royal or not, mothers will go out of their way to let their children know that they love them constantly and unconditionally. While Meghan was heavily criticized for her actions, no one can fault her for how she loves her children.
Diana Lets Her Hair Down
Just like the beach trips that saw her getting buried under the sand by a group of children, Diana was never one to shy away from having fun with her children and illustrated this many times as the family traveled around the world.
Here seen on the ski slopes, Diana would often plan memorable holidays to give her quality time with her family. Diana loved her boys fiercely, and this is just one of the many trips that the family took when Diana and Charles were still married.
Kate’s Stance on Discipline
Even little royals can act out and display less than favorable behavior from time to time. But rather than berate them, Kate chooses to act quickly, with a quick whisper in the ear explaining how they’re meant to conduct themselves in public.
When little Louis started acting out at his great-grandmother’s platinum Jubilee celebration, Kate was quick to stop the young prince from making faces and wagging his finger at the watching crowds. We can understand that the little guy was probably bored to tears, but protocol is protocol, and he quickly learned how to behave.
Meghan Shares Her Parenting Advice
The March 2023 issue of Reader’s Digest ran a story on Meghan’s stance on various things that parents have to go through, saying that she prefers gentle parenting methods. While this might not work for everyone, it certainly works for her as she raises little Archie and his sister Lillibet away from the public eye.
Speaking of their morning routine, Meghan shared that getting the family ready in the morning is an enormous effort that requires Harry to step in and do his share of the dirty work. A far cry from his own upbringing, the former prince is only too happy to help his family.
Diana’s Charity Work in Africa
Diana’s trip to Africa raised more than a few eyebrows back home in Buckingham Palace as the woman dubbed the “People’s Princess” embraced patients, met with children affected by struggles in Angola, and raised awareness of their plight.
This picture taken of her trip to the conflict-torn country of Luanda in 1997 shows the princess at her best — helping those who need assistance by giving them a voice. Diana had a big heart, and we think we can all agree that it’s one of the things we miss most about her.
Kate’s Charity Work
June 2021 saw Kate Middleton launching her Royal Foundation Center for Early Childhood — a charity patroned by the Duchess herself that aims to highlight the importance of early childhood development and education.
But this isn’t Kate’s only charitable endeavor, as she and William are patrons of no less than eight other mental health partners that seek to improve the mental health status of those in the United Kingdom by bringing mental health assistance and care to those who need it most.
Meghan’s Charity Work
Meghan, too, is no stranger to charity work and works with SmartWorks to provide clothing and resources to underprivileged women who are looking to make their way back into the working world. Signing on in 2019, the former actress and her husband are still linked with the charity today.
Other charitable endeavors of Ms. Markle include starting her own organization, the Archwell Foundation, which seeks to uplift local and global communities by providing resources (both physical and monetary). To date, the organization has raised over $13 million and is still doing well.
Diana’s Family Values
Raised in a tight-knit family herself, Diana was ever the doting wife and mother that would sit and play games with her children at every opportunity. In a photo taken at Kensington Palace in 1985, the Princess of Wales is seen playing with young William in his nursery.
Be it puzzles or roughhousing in the garden, Diana made sure that she played with her children as often as she could, often changing her schedule to ensure that she spent every spare minute with William and his brother Harry.
Kate’s Family Values
Kate Middleton is the epitome of a royal but shows her softer side whenever she’s with her children. As pictured on the family’s Instagram account, the Duchess regularly shares intimate pictures of her husband and children, often including pictures of their dog.
Things have certainly changed as technology progresses, giving the public a glimpse into what royal life is like thanks to social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Imagine scrolling through pictures on your phone of the late Queen Elizabeth at play with her children.
Meghan’s Family Values
Meghan’s engagement to the handsome Prince Harry was met with shock and outrage by the British public. Many were completely taken aback that the prince would choose an older woman — and an American actress to boot — as his bride.
But Meghan, in our opinion, is the perfect choice for Harry as he fought to escape the humdrum but often chaotic life that came with being a royal. Meghan has supported Harry over the years, staying by his side as he chose to leave behind the only life he’s ever known in a bid to live as normal a life as possible.
Diana the Hands-On Mother
Royals live very busy lives. From royal engagements and gala events to public appearances and charity work, there’s very little time to actually call your own when you’re a royal. Diana made sure to spend as much family time together as possible, much to the dismay of the British press.
Pictured here taking part in a race at a school event, the Princess was known to be a doting mother who put her children first, often taking them to school and running other errands as a show of independence. We love this Diana!
Kate, the Hands-On Mum
Kate will one day become queen when her husband, Prince William, takes the throne. But not even that will take her away from being a mother first. From playing with her children on the grass to playing the family’s photographer, there’s nothing Kate can’t do.
We share this photo, taken by the royal herself and shared on Instagram, to show that Kate is truly a woman that puts her family first. We would love to know how she manages to look so glamorous while doing so, but that’s a story for another day.
Meghan’s First Love – Her Family
Meghan found herself at the center of a lot of media attention when she became engaged to Prince Harry. But, a family girl at heart, she stuck by Harry’s side as he faced a lot of scrutiny for his decision to leave the royal family.
We can only admire Meghan for her strength and grace through this period, as she focused on the needs of her family and her husband first while navigating a new life away from the heavy-handed British royal family.
Diana Gets Soaked
Keeping in line with Diana’s love of spending time with her children — this photo was taken at Thorpe Water Park in 1993 when the royal decided to go on a water ride with her sons, getting absolutely soaked as they laughed joyfully.
Diana was rather surprisingly one of the first royals to interact with her children like this in public, which made her and her sons a favorite for paparazzi who couldn’t wait to get a glimpse of the royals doing everyday things and loving it.
Kate Making Faces at Babies
Who can resist a cute baby? Kate certainly can’t, as this photo of her making silly faces in a bid to get the young tot to smile at a public appearance shows. Kate is the ultimate mom, and making kids happy comes pretty easy to her.
While we would all love to see the reaction of the tot to the royal pulling all sorts of weird faces, those have never been shared, but we can imagine that they must have had the biggest smile on their face after this adorable interaction.
Meghan, the Doting Mom
Meghan loves her children. A quick search of photos will show you just that — and we’re here for it! Meghan is regularly pictured holding her children, and by the looks of things, motherhood comes quite naturally to the pretty celebrity who made her name in the acting world when she starred in Suits.
We would hate to be the one to get in between mama-bear Meghan and her children, as we can only imagine the reign of terror she would unleash on those that do her wrong. Tip: Never ever do or say anything about Meghan and Harry’s children because you’ll be sorry you did.
Diana Handles the Meltdowns
Handling meltdowns is just another part of parenthood that those without kids can look forward to. For Diana, this came naturally as she cradled her boys and wiped away their tears. Whether they had a nightmare or simply felt overwhelmed, she was there.
Pictured here holding a smiling Harry, we can see how easily parenting came to her as she lovingly strolls with her little ginger-haired prince on her hip. We can see, however, that the tot might have had a cry before the picture was taken, but we’re overjoyed that he’s all smiles for his mama.
Kate Handling Meltdowns
Kate is no stranger to handling her kids’ meltdowns and does her best to calm the little ones as they attend royal engagements and weddings and pose for the cameras on the balcony at Buckingham Palace at the Queen’s jubilee celebrations.
This time taking care of a grumpy Charlotte, Kate handled a meltdown with ease and soon had the little girl smiling and waving for the cameras and the adoring crowd. Good mom-ing, Kate!
Meghan and Meltdowns
Meghan and Harry aren’t in the business of sharing too much about their personal life, so we’ve yet to see any pictures of their children crying or even unhappy. But, a photo of the couple with Archie in South Africa in 2019 shows us just how she handles an unhappy baby.
Pictured here with Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, the couple proudly showed off their baby boy while meeting with the bishop at his home in Cape Town. While holding the young lad, Archie did what any baby does and spit up on the Archbishop’s shirt. Meghan hastily wiped it off while giggling with Tutu.
Diana Meeting Kids at Their Level
Diana did some pretty incredible humanitarian work in her time, and that included visiting many orphanages across Africa as a part of her tour of the continent in 1997. While the royal family cringed and silently berated her, the princess was photographed holding sick children.
She always did her best to make those around her feel special and would crouch down to their level to address them personally and with that loving touch that she had.
Kate: Motherhood With Grace
Kate might be a working royal, but she does it with grace and glam, as she always looks her best while out and about with her children. From supervising the little ones at sister Pippa’s wedding to supporting her husband at his polo matches, she just looks great!
Be it a pair of jeans and sneakers or a fancy evening dress, Kate always looks the part. The first royal to ever show her postpartum body in public, the Duchess donned a baby blue dress as she and William showed their new baby boy off to the waiting public and press.
Meghan and Harry
We need to give credit where it’s due and salute Meghan for her unwavering support for her husband and family. The press (and the world) heavily lambasted them for their decision to leave the royal family.
Meghan, in particular, bore the brunt of much of this criticism. Harry opened up to the media about her struggles with depression as she felt hated by Britain and its people. But nothing could prevent Meghan from loving Harry and sticking by his side. Hats off to you, Ms. Markle.
Diana’s Endless Duties
The need to look good while doing the mundane tasks that come with having a family often takes its toll. For Diana, her choice of attire while running errands was a popular photo opportunity.
The Princess of Wales wanted to do things for herself. Diana often wore gym clothes or baggy jeans. Diana was down to earth, and the royal family could stand to learn a few things from her.
Kate Running Errands
Even with a bevy of bodyguards, servants, and chauffeurs, Kate loves doing her own thing. Kate often runs errands or attends meetings on her own. And while many question these choices, the Duchess couldn’t care less.
Living up to royal expectations in modern times comes with its own challenges. Yet Kate has shown that the monarchy is anything but archaic and stuffy as she goes about her business.
Meghan the Baker
Why pay for an elaborate birthday cake when you can make your own? That’s exactly what Meghan Markle did for her son Archie’s first birthday. She lovingly baked him a smash cake to celebrate his first rotation around the sun.
No stranger to doing things her own way, Harry’s wife has shared many stories. These include the couple putting together their furniture and watching movies on the couch rather than being away from their children.
Want to vacation like a royal? Nope, this isn’t some cheesy ad gimmick. We’re genuinely asking: Do you? Usually, during July and August, royal families around the world go on vacations to unwind and get ready for the coming fall. This list covers spots all around the world — some well-known, some hidden gems, and others charmingly relaxed. Maybe you’ll find inspiration to plan your trip to these regal destinations.