During their summer vacation, Catherine, Princess of Wales, took the opportunity to pass on a valuable life skill to her children by teaching them how to sail. As Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis prepare to return to school this month, they can look back proudly on having learned something exciting and new over the holidays. In fact, the sailing lessons were not limited to the children—Prince William himself received a few lessons from Kate, who is known to be a confident and experienced sailor.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and tranquility of the Isles of Scilly, particularly Tresco Island, which is a favored destination for the family during the summer months. This charming island, which is privately owned, offers a perfect escape from the demands of royal life. Tresco holds a special place in the family’s heart, not just for its scenic views and peaceful atmosphere, but also because it is owned by King Charles and Queen Camilla, giving the young royals the chance to enjoy time away with their grandparents.
According to a local source, the family spent several days sailing a small boat during their stay on the island. William was seen donning casual beach attire—trendy swim shorts and a cap—as he confidently took the helm, navigating the boat while Kate and the children enjoyed the sea breeze and sunshine. The source described the family as having truly embraced sailing as a shared pastime, saying that Kate has always been skilled on the water, and William is no novice either. Together, they created cherished memories by teaching their children how to handle a boat, steer it through the waves, and appreciate the joy of being on the open water.
Their passion for the ocean was evident throughout the trip. George and Charlotte, who are already competent swimmers, showed no hesitation in diving into the sea, even when the water was a bit chilly. The children, all equipped with life jackets while on the sailboat, eagerly traded them for swimsuits when it came time to swim.
Rather than wearing wetsuits, they happily splashed around in the water, playing freely and enjoying the simple pleasures of the seaside. The youngest, Prince Louis, joined his older siblings in chasing their family dog across the sand, running in and out of the surf, and building castles on the shore. It was clear from their carefree laughter and energetic play that they relish being outdoors and immersed in nature.
Observers noted that it was heartwarming to witness the royal children experiencing such freedom, far from the public eye. The island’s quiet charm and lack of intrusion provided the perfect backdrop for this special family time. The source remarked on how nice it was to see them all relaxing, having fun, and just being a regular family enjoying their vacation.
To make the most of their coastal retreat, the royal family often travels by helicopter, taking the approximately £600 round-trip flight to reach Dolphin House—a beloved holiday residence nestled between Tresco Abbey Garden and the island’s spa facilities. This grand granite rectory offers sweeping views of the sea and the nearby Round Island Lighthouse, making it an ideal setting for rest and rejuvenation.
The house features spacious entertaining areas that open into a lush walled garden, a separate cook’s kitchen perfect for preparing family meals, and multiple cozy bedrooms, including a charming attic room. Many of the rooms boast views that stretch across the island’s rolling greenery and out to the water, enhancing the feeling of seclusion and serenity.
According to the property’s website, Dolphin House is surrounded by what is described as a walled garden filled with rich textures and colors, perfect for imaginative play like hide-and-seek or simply lounging in the sun during peaceful afternoons. Though the home is available for public bookings, it has long been a favored retreat for the royal family due to the privacy it affords and the opportunity to enjoy nature without interruption. This summer getaway allowed the Wales family to disconnect from the pressures of royal duties and savor quality time together, surrounded by the beauty of the British coastline.