Prince William’s favourite holiday spot is a subtropical island he owns with Kate Middleton

The royal family is often associated with lavish international vacations, but Prince William and Kate Middleton have a particular fondness for a domestic destination – an island they own. When Charles became king, Prince William inherited his former titles, including the Duchy of Cornwall, which encompasses a £1 billion property portfolio.

Among the assets in the Duchy of Cornwall is the Isles of Scilly, a stunning archipelago located 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall. These islands, known for their “outstandingly beautiful, uncrowded and unspoiled” scenery, have been part of the Duchy since the 14th century. The Duchy owns most of the freehold land and nearly a third of the residential buildings across the approximately 200 islands and rocks, with only five being inhabited.

During the summer season, around 100,000 visitors flock to the Isles of Scilly, and Prince William and Kate have been known to take their children, George, Charlotte, and Louis, to enjoy the tranquil setting of this family-owned destination.

The British royal family, known for their occasional getaways, was spotted enjoying a low-key vacation on Tresco Island in 2020. A fellow holidaymaker recounted their sighting to The Sun, stating, “We hardly noticed at first as they seemed a normal family on holiday intent on keeping themselves to themselves. The place where they were staying was quite modest and certainly not hugely luxurious.”

According to a source who spoke to Fabulous, the Cambridges and their royal protection officers traveled to Tresco by helicopter. To explore the scenic surroundings discreetly, they arranged for private boat taxis, known as “Specials,” to take them on excursions to some of the more remote islands for birdwatching and dolphin spotting. This low-key approach allowed the royal family to enjoy their vacation while maintaining privacy.

The Isles of Scilly, a picturesque archipelago off the Cornish coast, have long been a favored destination for the British Royal Family. These islands offer a unique blend of privacy and seclusion, akin to their beloved Mustique, but without the pesky mosquitoes. The tight security measures and controlled access make it an ideal retreat for the royals, ensuring their safety and privacy.

Recently, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall attended an eco-conference on the islands, where they were warmly greeted by local children and parents. This visit follows in the footsteps of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who previously vacationed on the islands in 2016, exploring the renowned Tresco Abbey Garden and venturing to St. Martins by boat.

The Isles of Scilly hold a special place in the royal family’s history, with Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana introducing their sons, Princes William and Harry, to the idyllic islands during a visit in 1989. The family’s affinity for this tranquil destination has endured, as evidenced by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s return in 2021, continuing the tradition of enjoying the natural beauty and seclusion offered by these enchanting isles.

The Isles of Scilly, located off the southwest tip of Cornwall, offer an idyllic getaway for those seeking tranquility and seclusion. With approximately 5,000 tourist beds available across the islands, it presents an ideal destination for royals, celebrities, or anyone desiring a peaceful retreat.

The archipelago consists of five inhabited islands – Tresco, St Mary’s, Bryher, St Martin, and St Agnes – along with an additional 140 uninhabited islands. St Mary’s, the largest of the isles, is home to 1,600 residents, while the total population across all five inhabited islands is around 5,000.

This picturesque destination offers a unique blend of natural beauty, seclusion, and a modest population, making it an attractive choice for discerning travelers seeking a serene and exclusive vacation experience.

The Isles of Scilly, located in Cornwall, boast a unique climate that sets them apart from the rest of the British Isles. Despite an average temperature of just 11°C, these subtropical islands enjoy the warmest conditions in the region, with a mild climate throughout the year. This temperate environment has made the Isles of Scilly a favored holiday destination for the royal family, including Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their children George, Charlotte, and Louis.

Accessing the Isles of Scilly is relatively straightforward, with ferry services operating from Penzance, Cornwall. During peak season, boats run six days a week, with morning and evening departures, taking approximately three hours to reach the islands. Ferry tickets for a day return start from £35, making it an affordable option for visitors.

The islands offer a sense of tranquility and privacy, allowing even high-profile guests like the royal family to enjoy a relaxed holiday while blending in with other vacationing families.

To travel to the Isles of Scilly by air, you can board a Skybus flight from either Exeter or Newquay, which takes between 30 minutes and 60 minutes. Alternatively, you can book a helicopter service from Penzance. During the peak summer season, hopper boats operate between the islands on most days, providing another mode of transportation.

Accommodation options on the islands include a range of bed and breakfasts, camping sites, and a few hotels on the larger islands. St Mary’s, the largest island, offers the historic Star Castle Hotel dating back to the 16th century, as well as the seafront Tregarthen’s Hotel, Bell Rock Hotel, and nearly 20 bed and breakfasts.

After the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the royal family underwent significant changes as the line of succession shifted, impacting Prince William’s £1 billion Duchy of Cornwall property portfolio.

The recent transition of power within the British royal family has brought about significant changes in the management of the £1 billion property portfolio. With senior members assuming new titles, the vast estate, spanning across 20 counties in England and Wales, has been transferred from Charles to William.

This inheritance has made the new Prince of Wales the largest private landowner in Britain. The estate comprises a diverse range of properties, including farmland, residential and commercial buildings, forests, rivers, coastlines, and even a third of the Dartmoor National Park, which was once a hub for mining minerals like tin and copper.

According to royal rules and regulations, the eldest son of the reigning British monarch inherits possession of the Duchy of Cornwall and the associated title at birth or upon their parent’s accession to the throne. However, there is a strict prohibition on selling assets for personal gain.

The revenue generated from this estate is dedicated to funding the public, private, and charitable activities of the Duke and his immediate family members, ensuring their continued service to the nation.