The Royals are famous for their predictable summer breaks at Balmoral, but where do they disappear to for a winter adventure?
When the Royal Family goes on holiday, they favour predictability and are often seen returning to the same places year after year.
The late Queen would famously escape to her Scottish Highland retreat of Balmoral Castle for her annual summer break to spend time with her family, dogs and horses.
But when it comes to winter holidays the royals can be a little more adventurous.
Although like all royal holidays they are notoriously private, The Firm have been spotted in every corner of the world over the years.
From skiing in Switzerland to beach holidays in Costa Rica, here MailOnline looks at some of the royal family's favourite winter holiday destinations.
King Charles - Klosters, Switzerland
King Charles III traditionally visits the Swiss ski resort of Klosters in either February or March every year.
Last year was the first time he missed the annual trip for 45 years, in an effort to avoid any injury in the lead up to his coronation in May.
The alpine village is located in the Prättigau area and celebs and political figures including Audrey Hepburn, Winston Churchill, Bono and Julia Roberts have been spotted there over the years.
1978: On his first visit to Klosters, Charles and his then girlfriend Lady Sarah Spencer (Diana’s eldest sister) laugh as they are pulled up the mountain by tow bar. Their affair fizzled out months later
1987: Prince Charles, Princess Diana, The Duchess of York and Prince Andrew posing for photographers on their skiing holiday at the Swiss resort of Klosters
1980: Charles emerges from his chalet in false moustache, nose and glasses insisting the Prince would not be coming out today
1981: The handsome Prince has squeezed in a trip to the mountains before a very important date. On his return he proposed to Lady Diana Spencer — and she accepted. They were married that summer
1994: Charles introduces William and Harry to the joy of skiing. They learnt the basics with Diana in the Austrian resort of Lech, but the Prince wanted them to fall in love with Klosters. Sadly they never have
1997: Slow down Harry . . . Charles can barely watch as the pair hurtle down a slope behind their hotel wreathed in smiles. But at least it was a respite from the bitter War of the Waleses with Diana
2000: Charles with his sons Prince William and Prince Harry on the Madrisa ski slopes above Klosters
In 1980 he was seen wearing a disguise of glasses, a fake nose and moustache to avoid being spotted on the slopes.
While holidaying in Klosters, King Charles stays at the luxurious Chalet Eugenia, which has been owned by the Royals for decades and has direct access to the slopes.
Over the years, King Charles has transformed into an accomplished, fast and fearless skier, unafraid to tackle anything, pushing himself to the limits.
To close friends Charlie and Patty Palmer-Tomkinson, who have most often shared the experiences with him, it sometimes has seemed he was not merely testing himself, but also daring the fates to do their worst.
Certainly the fates were tested on a day in March 1988 in what became the most tragic day skiing in Charles' life.
The Prince and his party were skiing 'off piste' on 'the Wang', a notoriously difficult slope involving a steep and narrow gully with a rockface on one side and a sheer drop on the other.
Diana, who had a cold, was not with him, nor was the pregnant Duchess of York who had fallen heavily earlier and had been taken to hospital to check that neither she nor her unborn child had been hurt.
What happened next Charles described as a 'whirling maelstrom' as an avalanche struck. 'I've never forgotten the sound of it,' the Prince said. 'The whole mountain apparently exploding outwards . . . vast clouds of snow. I thought to myself My God, the horror . . .'
The Duchess of York, Princess Diana and Prince Charles pose on the slopes the day before the tragedy
Ski tragedy: Prince Charles and rescuers carry a stretcher after the Klosters avalanche in 1988
Prince Charles's friend Major Hugh Lindsay (pictured with his wife Sarah) was killed in the avalanche. Patti Palmer-Tomkinson was seriously injured with injuries to her lungs and both legs
Charles has long had a fondness for the privacy of upmarket Klosters and, despite the tragedy in 1988, has been a regular visitor
2005: ‘That awful man . . .’ Unaware microphones are on, Charles is recorded airing his views on the BBC’s royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell during a photocall before his 2005 wedding to Camilla Parker Bowles. ‘These bloody people. I can’t bear that man. I mean, he’s so awful, he really is.’ Note that bandana again!
Two of the party, Mrs Palmer-Tomkinson and royal equerry Major Hugh Lindsay were swept 800ft down the slope until they came to a halt buried under the snow.
The Prince helped dig Mrs Palmer-Tomkinson out and kept talking to her so she remained conscious as they waited for rescue. Major Lindsay, struck by a huge lump of ice, died on the mountain.
Diana vowed to Major Lindsay's widow, Sarah, never to return to the resort — and kept her word. Charles promised to pay for the education of the child Mrs Lindsay was expecting. He kept his word, too.
Undoubtedly that terrible day was the darkest moment in a love affair that began when Charles learned to ski as a 14-year-old. His early trips were to Scuol in Switzerland and Vaduz in Liechtenstein.
His interest in skiing was ignited by his first visit to Klosters in 1978. The British had adopted the picture postcard village in the years after World War I.
He was accompanied by his then girlfriend Lady Sarah Spencer, Diana's eldest sister. It was on that trip that he met Charles Palmer-Tomkinson, a Hampshire landowner and former British Olympic skier.
Romance with Lady Sarah did not last — but Charles's affection for Klosters did.
A year after the avalanche he returned without Diana, and later introduced William and Harry to the resort (jolly royal nanny Tiggy Legge-Bourke strapped on skis, too).
And it was on the slopes above Klosters that William confirmed his love for Kate Middleton.
One figure in Charles's life has never taken to the Swiss air, however, Camilla. 'She doesn't like heights and doesn't like the cold,' says a friend.
But despite Camilla's tendency to avoid Klosters, Charles has continued to go every year.
It was there in 2005 where, eight days before he wed Camilla, that a TV mic picked up his unguarded comments about BBC Royal Correspondent Nicholas Witchell.
The Prince, sitting with William and Harry, said: 'These bloody people. I can't bear that man. I mean, he's so awful. He really is.'
The BBC defended Mr Witchell at the time, with a spokesman saying: 'He is one of our finest.'
Prince William and Kate - Anmer Hall, Norfolk
While some royals jet off to destinations abroad over winter, William and Kate, both42, enjoy spending time in their royal residencies in the UK.
As nature lovers, it is thought that The Prince and Princess of Wales value their privacy and time outdoors over anything else.
Anmer Hall in Norfolk is a regular winter holiday spot for the family, especially during the half-term holidays.
The couple have enjoyed trips to the beloved home for over a decade, and it has been described as the family's 'favourite place'. They are thought to have spent much of Christmas 2023 in Norfolk and can be expected to do the same this year.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge pictured near Anmer Hall in Norfolk
Anmer Hall (pictured) is a stunning 19th Century Georgian country house in Norfolk
The rear of Anmer Hall. William and Kate received the mansion as a wedding gift from Queen Elizbeth in 2014
Anmer Hall in Norfolk is a regular winter holiday spot for the family, especially during the half-term holidays
As nature lovers, it is thought that The Prince and Princess of Wales value their privacy and time outdoors over anything else
The couple have enjoyed trips to the beloved home for over a decade, and it has been described as the family's 'favourite place'
The family are thought to have spent much of Christmas 2023 in Norfolk and can be expected to do the same this year
Anmer Hall, a Georgian country house in the village of Anmer, Norfolk, on September 3, 1973
The family has also enjoyed spending lots of time in Norfolk as Kate recovered from her cancer treatment.
The 19th-Century Georgian country house Anmer Hall sits among acres of forests and open fields in the village of Anmer, Norfolk.
Anmer Hall, built in 1802, was acquired by the Sandringham Estate sometime after Queen Victoria purchased the house in around 1862.
William and Kate have been living there since a £1.5million refurbishment was completed in 2014 – though their visits had become less frequent with the death of Queen Elizabeth and their move to make Adelaide Cottage in the grounds of Windsor Castle their principal residence.
It formed the backdrop of the couple's intimate video to celebrate the end of Kate's chemotherapy in September.
It showed the family playing happily on the beach and in the woods, William and Catherine laying entwined on a blanket, hugging their children – and kissing.
The new video of the princess and her family – an unprecedented piece of deeply personal footage - was shot by one of their favourite film-makers, Will Warr.
Prince Harry and Meghan - Montebello, Costa Rica
In December last year Prince Harry, 40, and Meghan Markle, 43, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, embarked on a tropical getaway to Costa Rica, staying in the gated community of Montebello with their children Archie and Lilibet.
Montebello is located in Playa Hermosa, an area known for its natural beauty, lush vegetation and abundant wildlife.
With December temperatures of around 25C to 30C, it makes for a great escape for some winter sunshine.
In December last year Prince Harry, 40, and Meghan Markle, 43, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, embarked on a tropical getaway to Costa Rica (pictured in Dusseldorf in September 2023)
Sunset on Playa Grande beach, with palm trees in the foreground, near Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
With December temperatures of around 25C to 30C, Costa Rica makes for a great escape for some winter sunshine
Prince Harry and Meghan attend the cycling at the Invictus Games on September 15, 2023, in Dusseldorf
An iceman walks down the beach of Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica
The pair have followed in the footsteps of A-listers such as superstar Shakira, comedian Kevin Hart and actress Jane Seymour who have all made recent visits to the picturesque country. Pictured: Espadilla Beach, Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle went to Costa Rica with their two children (pictured in 2021)
Popular activities include hiking through waterfalls, luxury boat trips and even visiting a sloth sanctuary.
The royal couple were spotted walking through the trees and riding in a golf buggy having arrived at the popular holiday destination.
The couple apparently spent much of the vacation relaxing at scenic Playa Carrillo and the local beaches of Guanacaste province, famous for their perfect sands and world-class resorts.
One picture showed Harry and Meghan sitting inside a green golf buggy while Archie appeared to perch on his father's lap amid rows of palm trees.
The pair have followed in the footsteps of A-listers such as superstar Shakira, comedian Kevin Hart and actress Jane Seymour who have all made recent visits to the picturesque country.
Dave Mills of Iglu Cruise said: 'Costa Rica is another great destination for a winter holiday. From December through to April, temperatures are around 27 degrees, plus there is a low chance of rainfall.
'With beautiful beaches, areas of outstanding natural beauty and plenty of incredible wildlife, Costa Rica is a great destination if you love the outdoors.'
Zara and Mike Tindall - Iceland
In early 2024, Zara Tindall, 43, and her husband, former rugby player, Mike Tindall, 45, enjoyed a romantic winter getaway to Iceland.
The couple shared some of their trip on social media and could be seen wrapped up in thick coats and woolly jumpers to escape the freezing temperatures.
As both Zara and Mike come from sports backgrounds, the couple are regularly spotted partaking in action-packed activities whenever possible.
Mike Tindall took to Instagram to share a selection of images from his February trip to Iceland with his wife Zara
Bruarfoss waterfall in winter, Southern Region / Sudurland, Iceland
Snow and ice in the fields of Iceland on January 27, 2023
As both Zara and Mike come from sports backgrounds, the couple are regularly spotted partaking in action-packed activities whenever possible. Pictured: A drone view of an iceberg in Iceland on January 25, 2023
The pair shared some snaps of them in wetsuits, exploring the glacier waters and walking along the wild Icelandic coast.
They also explored some of Iceland's beautiful scenery and cascading waterfalls.
On social media Mike Tindall wrote: 'Life is short; world is wide. I want to make some memories.' He added in the caption: 'Iceland, thank you. What a place!'
In one snap, they looked relaxed as they posed in snorkelling gear and woolly hats after taking advantage of Iceland's natural beauty and exploring its glacier waters.
Elsewhere, the couple took to rainbow street in Reykjavík, a road dedicated to celebrating diversity.
Dave Mills, Chief Commercial Officer at Iglu Cruise said: 'Winter is a brilliant time to visit Iceland, when nights are dark and long as solar activity is high.
'The Northern lights are said to be most active around the equinoxes in September and March, but visiting from November to February also means you'll have more darkness. Either way, Iceland is a bucket list destination for many.'
|However the Tindalls are first and foremost known for being fans of the land Down Under regularly jet off to Australia during the winter time.
They have previously opened up to how the country is their 'second home' due to their outdoor lifestyle.
Zara previously told Hello: 'It feels busy but being by the beach and in the middle of summer is also relaxing, especially coming from the depths of our winter right now back home.'
Alongside Iceland, Zara and Mike Tindall are known to enjoy a trip Down Under during the winter. Pictured: Enjoying the beach at Byron Bay in Australia in January 2024
The couple were pictured hugging after a swim in the sea at Byron Bay in Australia
Princess Beatrice and Eugenie - Verbier, Switzerland
Like many royals, Princesses Beatrice, 36, and Eugenie, 34, enjoy escaping to the ski slopes over winter and are regulars in the popular Verbier region in southwestern Switzerland.
The princesses have been spotted in the region since childhood and tend to make the winter trip annually. More recently, the sisters enjoyed a trip with their spouses and children in winter 2023.
They used to head to Verbier every year since they were little girls, as dad Prince Andrew used to own a chalet there, but in 2022 he sold it for around £19 million.
Like many royals, Princesses Beatrice, 36, and Eugenie, 34, enjoy escaping to the ski slopes over winter and are regulars in the popular Verbier region in southwestern Switzerland
Sarah Ferguson Duchess of York with her daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie on the slopes in Verbier in February 2011
Prince Andrew with Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice and Sarah Ferguson
The family headed to Verbier every year since as Prince Andrew used to own a chalet there, but in 2022 he sold it for around £19 million
In 2022 Eugenie was seen carrying her skis as she walked alongside husband Jack Brooksbank in the famous Swiss resort of Verbier
Princess Beatrice (pictured left), was also spotted smiling as she took a stroll through the town of Verbier in 2022. Her husband, property developer Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi (pictured right), carried ski boots as he walked through the resort
Andrew pictured with his daughters and the Duchess of York on the Slopes of Verbier in February 18, 2001
The Duchess of York (left) also spent a lot of time at the ski resort after breaking up with Prince Andrew
Andrew and his family typically visit the exclusive Swiss resort several times a year, including for a winter break in the New Year
Prince Andrew in Verbier on his 38th birthday with Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and his two daughters Princess Eugenie and Beatrice
Princess Eugenie in the Swiss ski resort of Verbier with her mother, Sarah Ferguson, in 2003
Photographs from 1998 show the Duke of York as he celebrates his 38th birthday in the resort, with his two daughters, then 10 and eight, and the Duchess
Duke and the Duchess of York with their children at the resort in 1998
But the family still visit the region, with Princess Beatrice's husband Eduardo Mapelli Mozzi, uploading an Instagram picture of the snow-covered mountains in February 2024.
Verbier is one of the most famous off-piste ski resorts in the Alps and often attracts the rich and famous.
With luxurious hotels and chalets, world-class fine dining and some of the best skiing in Europe, it's clear to see why the Royal Family love the region.
The location is also where Princess Eugenie met her future husband Jack Brooksbank in 2012, before they tied the knot in 2018.
Prince William was also spotted in a club in Verbier while out with friends - where he famously enjoyed a spot of 'dad dancing' on the dancefloor.
And it's not just the British royals with whom Verbier is a hit. Prince Frederick and Princess Mary of Denmark have got in on the action with their four children - and the Belgian royal family has also been spotted making the most of the slopes.
Verbier is often hailed as a dream destination for experienced skiers thanks to its 250 miles of runs, challenging terrain and pistes with amazing views of Mont Fort and the Matterhorn.
Middleton family - St Barts
The tranquil Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy, known as St Barts, has regularly been the go-to spot for a Middleton family winter getaway.
The overseas region of France is a popular tourist destination during the winter holiday season, and is geared towards the high-end, luxury tourist market.
It was on the island where Kate's brother James Middleton was spotted sharing a passionate kiss in the sea with his girlfriend, now wife, Alizée Thevenet in 2020.
Kate's brother James Middleton sharing a passionate kiss with his girlfriend, now wife, Alizée Thevenet
The couple appeared oblivious to the rest of the world around them in the tranquil setting, and enjoyed their intimate moment together
Eden Rock is one of the most exclusive resorts on the island, and it is there where a luxury 5-star hotel in St Jean Bay is located which has been visited by the likes of Elton John, Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio
James Middleton and Alizee Thevenet attend the Men's Final Day at Wimbledon 2019
In April Spencer Matthews, the brother of Pippa's husband James Matthews, and his wife Vogue Williams shared a picture of them enjoying their sun-soaked holiday in St Barts on the beach before taking a paddle board session
Playground: Eden Rock Hotel (above) is owned by Pippa Middleton's in-laws
After their dip, James and Alizée relaxed on the St. Barts beach, taking in the rocky scenery as they topped up their tans on the white sands.
The couple appeared oblivious to the rest of the world around them in the tranquil setting, and enjoyed their intimate moment together.
In James Middleton's new book, The Dog Who Saved My Life, he said he felt a 'gratuitous intrusion' into their private life when a picture of the kiss made it into the press.
They were enjoying a family holiday with Pippa, Carole and Michael Middleton, and were thought to be staying at the Eden Rock hotel owned by the Matthews family. James Matthews is married to Pippa Middleton.
Eden Rock is one of the most exclusive resorts on the island, and it is there where a luxury 5-star hotel in St Jean Bay is located which has been visited by the likes of Elton John, Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio.
James's parents, David and Jane Matthews, moved to St Barts in September 1995 after purchasing Eden Rock from local adventurer Rémy de Haenen.
The Matthews family's oceanfront resort boasts white sand beaches, gin-clear seas, rock-top beach houses and a luxury wellness spa.
It even has a 'Pippa Suite' as one of the resort's signature suites, which will set holiday makers back £2,654 a night in the summer season, and a cool £2,825 the rest of the year, according to Hello Magazine.
Over the years, the healthy and sporty Middleton family have soaked up the sun on the paradise isle.
The deluxe resort also has a heated cave pool, which is chipped back into the top of Eden Rock, which is described as a 'peaceful place of meditation, introspection or even a little yoga or pilates'.
Queen Elizabeth II - Sandringham, Norfolk
Although the rest of the royal family might prefer a more exotic holiday, for the late Queen Elizabeth II it was the Sandringham estate in Norfolk where she enjoyed her winters.
Sandringham has been a feature of royal life since 1862 when Queen Victoria bought the estate as a gift for her son, the future Edward VII, who was turning 21 that year and was soon to marry.
It was during Victoria's reign that Christmas evolved into the festival we know today, sparked by an 1848 newspaper image of the Queen, Prince Albert and their children standing around a Christmas tree.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip walk through the snow-covered church yard to attend Sunday Service at the Church of St Lawrence in Castle Rising near the Sandringham Estate on January 20, 2013
Queen Elizabeth II carries a bouquet of flowers as she leaves the church of St Peter and St Paul in West Newton after attending Sunday Service on February 5, 2012
Sandringham has been a feature of royal life since 1862 when Queen Victoria bought the estate as a gift for her son, the future Edward VII, who was turning 21 that year and was soon to marry
Sandringham was the scene of the deaths of George V in January 1936 and George VI in February 1952
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip travelled from Kings Cross to begin their annual Christmas holiday at Sandringham on December 19, 2013
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh arrive at King's Lynn station near Sandringham, after taking the train from London King's Cross on December 21, 2017
Yet for all its association with Christmas, Sandringham is marked with poignancy too, the scene of the deaths of George V in January 1936 and George VI in February 1952.
'Her beloved father's death was one reason the Queen would usually stay at Sandringham until early February, because she wanted to commemorate that moment of great sadness,' said historian Professor Kate Williams previously.
Despite this, Christmas at Sandringham has always been a joyful affair. 'At Christmas Elizabeth was monarch and consort in one, she effectively did both jobs which meant she oversaw all the planning – and she loved it,' says Kate.
'Now, Charles is the King and Camilla is the hostess, so I suspect Camilla will be yuletide planner-in-chief.'
In a tradition inherited from the German side of the family, the royals exchange gifts on Christmas Eve. 'They don't do big presents – in fact the rule is, the jokier the better,' said Kate.
The family then dress for dinner, the first of at least five formal outfit changes over the Christmas period, according to fashion designer Jacques Azagury, who once designed for Diana.
'Christmas Eve is when everything comes out, the tiaras, the long dresses, it's a full-on black tie evening, they pull out all the stops,' he revealed.
Drinks are followed by a candlelit dinner, which can stretch into the small hours, making the Christmas morning buffet breakfast a most welcome affair.
'Christmas dinner is the only time the bird goes into the dining room whole and is carved in front of the family,' said Darren McGrady, who spent 11 years as the Queen's personal chef.
And for afters? Christmas pudding is the only dessert on offer, of course.
- List of Royal destinations collated by Iglu Cruise
