The Queen is one of the most well-travelled monarchs in history having flown around the entire globe a whopping 42 times. Furthermore, she also is accustomed to travelling across the country in the exclusive Royal Train, renowned for its opulence and security. It should be no surprise, then, to learn that once upon the time the Royals also had their own luxury, yacht liner. However, the Queen was left heartbroken when it was pulled from service, pushing her to spend £200,000 on a private cruise liner in order to recreate her fond memories.
The Royal Yacht Britannia had been a part of the family since 1953 and had sailed over one million miles in its 44 years of service.
To Queen Elizabeth’s dismay, however, it was decommissioned from service in 1997.
The Monarch, said to have loved her annual cruises, was then faced with little opportunity to indulge in her ocean holidays.
Upon its decommission she stated: “Looking back over forty-four years we can all reflect with pride and gratitude upon this great ship which has served the county, the Royal Navy and my family with such distinction”
However, in 2010 the monarch decided to recreate some of her fondest sailing memories, splashing £200,000 on a private cruise holiday exclusively for members of the Royal Family.
Though may details of the private sailing were kept quiet, it was thought that she would be following a similar route to her annual yacht travels spanning the Western Isles of Scotland.
Welcoming aboard her children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces, the 10-day cruise was to be the height of opulence.
During the journey, the monarchy celebrated the birthday of The Princess Royal and the Duke of York with two parties.
Initially departing from the Isle of Lewis, it was reported by The Telegraph that the journey would pass by two of the Queen’s favourite picnic spots including a remote beach on Colonsay island and another at Scarista on Harris in the Outer Hebrides.
The journey ended at the Queen Mother’s home at the Castle of Mey on the northern coast of Caithness.
Other than photographs of Royal Family members boarding, including Prince Andrew, Princess Eugenie and Beatrice and the Queen herself, little was revealed about what life would be like for the Royal’s aboard the luxury cruise.
However, it is likely that the Queen replicated elements of her beloved Royal Yacht cruise days.
One of her favourite things to do aboard the original Britannia enjoyed breakfast and tea in the teak-lined Sun Lounge.
Situated on the top deck of the Britannia this sun trap was the perfect spot for the Queen to lap up ocean views and offered a tranquil seclusion from the rest of the liner.
The Royals also enjoyed bustling dinners with important states people aboard the ship’s State Dining Room – the largest and grandest room onboard Britannia.
World-class figures including Sir Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandella and Ronald Reagan were said to have dined on board.
Meanwhile, the Royal’s were never at a loss for entertainment.
Endless games are said to have been organised on board including treasure hunts, picnics, exercise hames and even water fights.
On warmer decks, the Royal children could even cool off in a paddling pool on the outside verandah deck.
These days the original Royal yacht is berthed in Leith, Scotland, where it has served as a tourist attraction for 12 years.
According to the Royal Yacht Britannia website the vessel has since welcomed aboard 390,848 visitors for an exclusive peek inside the opulent world of the Royals at sea.