YOU may think that the royal family only go on flashy holidays abroad - but Prince William and Kate Middleton have a favourite spot in the UK, and it’s an island that they own. When Charles became king,
Prince William inherited his old titles, and they came with a
£1billion property portfolio. Included in the
Duchy of Cornwall collection were the
Isles of Scilly, located 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, which offer "outstandingly beautiful, uncrowded and unspoiled" scenery. Around 200 islands - five inhabited - and rocks have been part of the Duchy of Cornwall since its origins in the 14th century. Today the Duchy owns most of the freehold land and almost a third of the residential buildings. Around 100,000 visitors flock to the islands each
summer season, and William and Kate have been known to take George, Charlotte and Louis too.
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They were seen
biking around Tresco Island in 2020 by a fellow holidaymaker who told The Sun: "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."
A source told Fabulous : “The Cambridges and royal protection officers took a flight by helicopter to Tresco. “Boat taxis known as Specials were organised for low-key scenic boat trips for the family to be privately taken to some of the wilder islands for bird watching and seeing dolphins.
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“This island is part private so a bit like their favourite holiday destination Mustique, but without the
mosquitoes . “It is easy for the security men and everyone knows who is coming in and out on the islands.” The family also returned to the idyllic island in 2021. William and Kate also visited the island in 2016 and were seen visiting the Tresco Abbey Garden and boarding a boat to St Martins. They also aren't the first royal parents to take their kids there - Charles and
Diana took William and Harry to the islands in 1989. There are around 5,000 tourist beds available on the islands, making it an ideal getaway for royals or celebrities wanting a peaceful stay. St Mary’s is the latest island of the isles, with 1,600 residents, and there are a further 5,000 across the other four islands, Tresco, Bryher, St Martin and St Agnes.
Where are the Isles of Scilly?
THE Isles of Scilly are located off the southwest tip of Cornwall, and is made up of five inhabited islands and another 140 uninhabited islands. The popular islands for holidaymakers are Tresco, St Mary's, Bryher, St Martin and St Agnes, with just 2,200 people living across the islands. While the average temperature of the islands is just 11C, it is the warmest in the British Isles and they have a mild climate all year round. Located in
Cornwall , the Isles of Scilly is a favourite with Prince William and Kate Middleton when going on holiday with their kids George, Charlotte and Louis. While the average temperature of the subtropical islands is just 11C, it is the warmest in the British Isles and they have a mild climate all year round. Reaching the islands is fairly easy to do, and you can hop on a boat or plane from Cornwall, with ferry tickets from £35 for a day return. Boats run from Penzance to the Isles of Scilly six days a week in high season, once in the morning and once in the evening, and takes just under three hours. We hardly noticed at first as they seemed a normal family on holiday intent on keeping themselves to themselves. To fly by air, you can board a Skybus place from Exeter or Newquay, which take between 30 minutes and 60 minutes, or book a Penzance Helicopter. You can also go on hopper boats between the islands, which run most days during the peak summer season.
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The islands have a range of B&Bs and
camping sites to choose from, while the larger islands have a few
hotels too. St Mary’s has
the Star Castle Hotel which dates back to the 16th century, as well as the seafront Tregarthen's Hotel, Bell Rock Hotel and nearly 20 B&Bs.
Prince William's £1billion Duchy of Cornwall property portfolio
AFTER the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the royal family underwent a huge shake-up as the line of succession shifted. Along with senior members
taking on new titles , the
royals £1 billion property portfolio also changed hands, from Charles to William. The inheritance has made the new Prince of Wales the biggest private landowner in Britain - owning land across 20 counties in England and
Wales . Much of the estate comprises farmland, but it also includes homes and commercial properties, forests, rivers, coastline and around a third of the
Dartmoor national park , which was once used for mining minerals such as tin and copper. According to royal rules and regulations, the eldest son of the reigning British monarch inherits possession of the duchy and title of 'Duke of Cornwall' at birth or when his parent succeeds to the throne. However, they must not sell assets for personal benefit. The revenue from his estate is used to fund the public, private and charitable activities of The Duke and his immediate family.
