Where to spot the royals in Europe

The only thing that can beat a European holiday? Spotting a member of the royal family on said European holiday.

It might sound far-fetched, but given both the British and International royals’ penchant for Positano, Mallorca and Rome, spying them on your travels isn’t as crazy as it sounds.

From their staycation secrets to their favoured holiday hangouts, here’s your royal-approved guide to Europe.

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Marivent Palace, Mallorca

On the picturesque island of Mallorca, you’ll find Marivent Palace, the Spanish royal family‘s summer residence. King Felipe VI has been enjoying balmy Balearic summers there since he was a child and is continuing the annual tradition with his own family, bringing Queen Letizia and Crown Princess Leonor and Princess Sofía to the plush palace every summer. The palace gardens — which stretch across 9,000 square metres and feature 40 different plant species — recently opened to the public after a €217,000 ($324,000) makeover and are a great way to experience a royal residence up close. Heads up if you’re visiting over Easter: the royals are usually in town, but the gardens are closed on Easter Sunday.

The Colosseum, Rome

You’d be forgiven for thinking that royalty would avoid the tourist spots, but not Prince Harry. The down-to-earth royal took a break from his official duties while in Italy to visit the Colosseum. Describing it as “amazing”, Prince Harry was disappointed not to be able to spend longer admiring the ancient arena — his visit lasted just 10 minutes. Vowing that there would be a “next time” — a promise Prince Harry has yet to deliver on — we can only assume that he’s planning a romantic getaway to Rome with Meghan Markle any day now.

The Goring Hotel, London

Fancy rubbing shoulders with British royalty? Stay at The Goring in London’s Belgravia district. The iconic hotel is a stone’s throw from Kensington Palace and even boasts a royal warrant from Queen Elizabeth as the royal family’s “hotel of choice”. However, it’s perhaps most famous for being the place where Duchess Catherine spent her last night as a Middleton ahead of her wedding to Prince William. The Duchess was also on-hand to celebrate the London hotel’s 105th birthday in 2015 when she was pregnant with Princess Charlotte. Guests are advised to try the Eggs Drumkilbo, a lobster and egg-based dish, that was a favourite of the Queen Mother.

Monaco Grand Prix, Monte Carlo

Arguably the most glamorous stop on the Formula 1 circuit, the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the best places to soak up the sun and spot royalty or an A-lister. This year Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco were joined by Chris Hemsworth, Serena Williams, Kate Upton, James Marsden and Pamela Anderson at the prestigious race through the city streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine. Keen to join in the fun? Diary date Thursday 24th — Sunday 27th May 2018.

La Cordée des Alpes Hôtel, Verbier

The swanky Swiss ski resort is a go-to getaway for many royals including Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, Prince William, Prince Harry and King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, who were joined on the slopes earlier this year by their four children. The Danish Royals also like to make their annual ski holidays a family affair, with Princess Mary sharing some selfies and cute pics of Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine enjoying the snow on their most recent ski trip in February. Keen for some Après Ski action? Prince William is a fan of Farinet nightclub and also stayed at La Cordée des Alpes Hôtel during a recent boys’ trip to Verbier.

St-Tropez, France

It’s no surprise that the royals favour the French Riviera. A popular jet-set destination since the ‘60s, it’s played host to many royal families over the years, including Prince Carl Philip and Prince Sofia of Sweden — who are currently enjoying a break in the South of France ahead of the birth of their second child — Princess Caroline of Hanover, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Princess Beatrice, Prince William, Prince Harry and the late Princess Diana. When in the glamorous coastal town, pay a visit to the Bertaud Bélieu estate. The prestigious winery has been given the royal seal of approval by Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco.

Amaia Kids, London

A favourite haunt of The Duchess of Cambridge, add this children’s shop in London’s Chelsea to your must-see list. Both Prince George and Princess Charlotte have worn clothing and accessories for official portraits and engagements. In his cute-as-a-button 2014 Christmas portraits, George wore a pair of Amaia Kids corduroy shorts and knee socks; he also wore an adorable blue cardigan from the store to visit his new baby sister Princess Charlotte in hospital. As for Charlotte’s go-to hair bows? You guessed it. They’re from there too! According to the shop’s owners, Kate has been visiting the shop regularly since George was a little baby.

Tyresta National Park, Sweden

Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden are big fans of the great outdoors, using last year’s annual Christmas video as a way to showcase one of their favourite places: Tyresta National Park. The royal couple were joined by their two children, Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar, as they hiked through the Swedish national park, one of the world’s most beautiful nature reserves. Located 20km from Stockholm, the park is home to 400-year-old trees, over 10 lakes, roe deer, elk and mountain roe making it an epic must-see spot in Sweden.

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