Prince William and Kate Middleton snub Saint-Tropez for this secret Caribbean island
Every summer, thousands of tourists descend on the beaches of the French Riviera, but Prince William and Kate Middleton have long since turned their backs on that glamorous circuit. Their favourite destination lies much further afield, in the heart of the Grenadines archipelago, on a discreet island that few travellers have ever heard of. Welcome to Mustique, a Caribbean haven that jealously shields its high-profile guests from the outside world.
Mustique, the island that guarantees total privacy
What sets Mustique apart from every other celebrity hotspot is, above all, its absolute discretion. The island offers a level of tranquillity that neither Saint-Tropez nor any European beach resort can promise. Indeed, when members of the royal family or other high-ranking figures are in residence, the island is reportedly subject to a no-fly zone, preventing any drone from capturing images of the Windsors’ family holiday.
Far from the frenzy of London and the paparazzi, the royal couple can enjoy white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters without fear of prying eyes. For a royal family constantly in the spotlight, that guarantee of privacy is an invaluable asset. It is precisely what neither Russian oligarchs nor American tech moguls, who are very much at home on the French Riviera, can so easily buy for themselves.
A villa costing more than €30,000 a week for Prince William and Kate Middleton
A stay on Mustique does not come cheap. In 2019, the royal couple and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, rented a luxury villa for more than €30,000 a week. The trip coincided with Prince George’s sixth birthday, marking a special milestone for the eldest of the three siblings. Since then, the family has returned to the island on several occasions, including in February 2025.
These repeated visits speak to a genuine attachment to this corner of the Caribbean. For Prince William and the Princess of Wales, Mustique is no recent discovery. Both had a personal connection to the island long before they ever visited it together.
- Destination chosen for its total privacy and seclusion
- No-fly zone enforced during stays by high-profile figures
- Villa rented for more than €30,000 a week in 2019
- Regular visits, including one in February 2025
- Holiday spot shared with other British figures such as Mick Jagger
Royal and family roots on the island
The British royal family’s ties to Mustique stretch back several decades. Princess Margaret, Prince William’s great-aunt, owned a villa there. A plot of land on the island had been gifted to her on the occasion of her wedding, and she had a residence built on it, named Les Jolies-Eaux, designed by artist and designer Oliver Messel.
Although the house no longer belongs to the royal family, it is now available to rent, the emotional bond with the island clearly endures. On Kate’s side, the Princess of Wales used to visit Mustique regularly with her own family long before she married the son of Charles III. Both spouses, then, already had their own personal history with the island before making it their shared retreat.
An island where British icons cross paths
Mustique draws other prominent British figures too. Rock legend Mick Jagger owns a home there, and the royal couple have been known to run into him during their stays. The island operates as a kind of closed circle, quietly bringing together some of the most recognisable names in the United Kingdom, far from the flashbulbs and the crowds.
For Prince William and Kate Middleton, this choice of destination reflects a clear desire to protect their family life. Three children, unspoilt beaches, tight security and an exceptional natural setting: Mustique ticks every box for a royal couple that places privacy above the need to be seen.
