Europe's monarchs maintain beloved traditions even during vacation. For their summer getaway, they usually return to the same places year after year. Residences like those of King Charles (77) or King Felipe (58) offer the royals retreat and relaxation. These are the places where Europe's royal houses spend the summer.
King Charles and Queen Camilla
Like Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) once did, King Charles spends the summer in Scotland - together with Queen Camilla (78). Their destination is Balmoral, the rurally located residence of the royals. The castle is considered the family's retreat. Vast landscapes and plenty of privacy characterize the estate. The Windsors spend their time there with walks, picnics, horseback riding, hunting trips, and fishing, among other activities.
Charles and Camilla traditionally arrive in August. The Balmoral estate includes Charles' country house Birkhall. But Scotland isn't the only place the couple is drawn to. The Greek islands are also among their favorite destinations. They are said to have spent part of their honeymoon there in 2005.
Prince William and Princess Kate
Heir to the throne Prince William (44) will likely head to Norfolk again this summer. Anmer Hall, his country house on the Sandringham estate, could once again become the vacation residence. There he spends quiet days surrounded by nature with Princess Kate (44) and their children George (12), Charlotte (11), and Louis (8).
A visit to Charles and Camilla in Balmoral is also usually part of the summer program. Sometimes the family travels onward afterward - for instance to the Caribbean, where they have vacationed several times.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia
King Felipe also spends the summer in a fixed location: on Mallorca. The Spanish monarch has been traveling to the Marivent Palace on the Balearic island since his childhood. The estate is located among pine groves and offers plenty of space. The Spanish royal family has been spending their summer vacation here since the early 1970s.
Later, Felipe VI brought his own family: Queen Letizia (53) and their daughters Princess Leonor (20) and Princess Sofia (19). They typically begin their summer vacation at the end of July. They regularly allow themselves to be photographed during outings and official appointments. Felipe's mother Sofia (87) frequently accompanies them.
King Frederik and Queen Mary
The Danish royal couple Frederik (58) and Mary (54) spend the summer at Gravenstein Castle in Gråsten. They have frequently retreated there with their children, Prince Christian (20), Princess Isabella (19), and the twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine (15).
Frederik's mother, Queen Margrethe (86), and his aunt, Princess Benedikte (82), could also join them there for a few weeks.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima
Still as heir to the throne, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands (59) purchased a luxury villa on the Greek peninsula of Peloponnese in 2012. The estate serves as a vacation residence for his family and reportedly cost 4.5 million euros.
The villa is located near the town of Kranidi. It offers Willem-Alexander, his wife Queen Máxima (55), and their three daughters two pools, a private yacht harbor, and a private beach section. In 2020, the family made negative headlines when they vacationed there during restrictions in their own country.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde
For many years, the Belgian royal couple King Philippe (66) and Queen Mathilde (53) have spent their summer vacation with their children on the quiet French island of Île d'Yeu.
Initially, the family rented a vacation home there. In 2019, they finally purchased an estate with a villa. They particularly appreciate that they can move around the island largely unrecognized. Additionally, Île d'Yeu offers ideal conditions for kite-surfing, cycling, and hiking.
King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia
The Swedish royal family around King Carl XVI Gustaf (80) and Queen Silvia (82) prefer to spend the summer in their own country. Their destination is the island of Öland, several hundred kilometers from Stockholm. There the family owns the summer residence Solliden Palace.
King Harald V and Queen Sonja
The private summer residence of the Norwegian royal family of Harald V (89) and Queen Sonja (89) is called Mågerø and is located on the peninsula of the same name. The royal family chose this location because of its secluded position and natural surroundings.
In addition, there is an official summer residence in Bygdøy in Oslo where the family also enjoys spending time. The organic farm includes numerous animals, including 60 cows.
