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Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, seized the opportunity during the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on March 17, 2025, to unveil a personal plan that has sparked curiosity among royal enthusiasts. Visiting Wellington Barracks in London after the annual Irish Guards parade, she expressed her desire to take her children—George, Charlotte, and Louis—on a special trip to Australia and New Zealand. The event, steeped in tradition, saw Kate, as Colonel of the Irish Guards, handing out sprigs of shamrock to soldiers and veterans while engaging in lighthearted exchanges that revealed her travel aspirations. Dressed in a striking green Alexander McQueen coat, adorned with a Cartier shamrock brooch and a matching hat, she embodied the spirit of the occasion while offering a glimpse into her family’s future adventures.
The mention of Australia and New Zealand carries a nostalgic weight. In 2014, Kate and Prince William embarked on an official tour of the two countries with their then 9-month-old son, George, leaving lasting impressions. Now, with George at 11, Charlotte at 9, and Louis at 6, the princess sees a chance to revisit these destinations in a more private capacity. Speaking with guardsman Adam Hamilton, she noted George’s fascination with tales from that earlier journey and shared her eagerness to create new memories with all three children. The conversation also touched on her love for travel, with a nod to the Middle East as another region she enjoys, despite the long flights required from the United Kingdom.
While fulfilling her ceremonial duties, Kate also shed light on her current lifestyle. When asked about her family’s residence, she confirmed they are settled in Windsor, having relocated from London’s Kensington Palace in 2022 for the appeal of green spaces. The move to Adelaide Cottage reflects a shift toward a quieter existence, which seems to inspire her plans for international getaways. The St. Patrick’s Day event, with its vibrant traditions and her poised presence, provided the perfect backdrop for these personal revelations, blending her royal role with relatable family ambitions.
Travel passion fuels princess’s family plans
Exploring new horizons is a passion Kate Middleton openly embraces. During her exchange with the Irish Guards, she explained that official duties often take her to far-flung places, but she now seeks opportunities for more personal trips. “We tend to travel further for official visits, so we need to carve out time to explore these countries privately,” she remarked. Australia and New Zealand, familiar from past royal tours, stand out as prime choices for a family adventure, blending fond memories with the promise of fresh experiences for her children.
The 2014 tour left a strong mark. Highlights included a visit to Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, where George met a bilby, and cultural engagements with Maori leaders in New Zealand. These moments, widely captured, underscore the potential for a new trip to captivate her children. Kate acknowledged the logistical challenge of a 24-hour flight from London to Sydney or Auckland but expressed enthusiasm that outweighs the distance. Her casual mention of the Middle East as another favored destination hints at a broader curiosity she hopes to share with George, Charlotte, and Louis.
Windsor life inspires global adventures
Since settling in Windsor, Kate and William have embraced a lifestyle closer to nature. “We moved to Windsor for the green spaces,” she told the guards, highlighting a deliberate choice for their family’s well-being. The shift from bustling London to the serene Adelaide Cottage suggests a foundation for planning escapes beyond the UK. With the children growing and the royal calendar ever demanding, finding the right moment for a long trip remains a hurdle, yet one the couple appears ready to tackle.
Why Australia and New Zealand captivate the royals
Kate’s choice of Australia and New Zealand blends historical ties with natural allure. As Commonwealth nations, both countries share a deep connection with the British monarchy, making royal visits significant and warmly received. Beyond diplomacy, their landscapes and cultures offer a unique draw. The princess seems intent on tapping into this mix to give her children an experience that transcends typical vacations.
Australia boasts wonders like the Great Barrier Reef and dynamic cities such as Melbourne, while New Zealand dazzles with fjords, mountains, and Maori traditions. The 2014 visit saw Kate and William sailing in Auckland and planting trees, activities ripe for recreation in a family setting. George’s interest, as noted by Kate, signals the children’s readiness to engage with these destinations more fully than before. The logistics—long flights and time zone shifts—are familiar challenges from official tours, but a private trip promises flexibility and freedom.
Key milestones in royal travel history
The international journeys of Kate Middleton and Prince William have long captured global attention. A look at their past trips provides context for the anticipated Oceania adventure:
2011: First official tour as a married couple to Canada and the United States, establishing their modern royal image.2014: Australia and New Zealand tour with baby George, featuring iconic zoo visits and cultural exchanges.2017: Trip to Germany and Poland, joined by George and Charlotte for a family-focused itinerary.2022: Caribbean tour covering Belize, Jamaica, and the Bahamas, reinforcing Commonwealth ties.
Though no date is set for the next trip, the southern hemisphere’s summer, from December to February, offers ideal weather for exploring Down Under. Recent years of fewer long-haul journeys, due to domestic duties, heighten anticipation for this family-focused plan.
Unique elements of Kate’s travel vision
Organizing a trip with three young children is no small feat, even for a princess. Kate Middleton emphasized George’s enthusiasm as a driving force, while the ages of Charlotte and Louis make them prime candidates for an enriching experience. Known for championing early childhood development and environmental causes, she likely sees this journey as a chance to blend fun with education, reflecting her core values.
Practical considerations include:
Optimal timing: December to February, leveraging warm southern hemisphere weather.Trip length: At least 10 days to balance travel and exploration.Highlights: Nature reserves, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersions.
Kate’s love for travel extends beyond Oceania, with the Middle East also on her radar. This global outlook suggests she aims to broaden her children’s perspectives, whether through Australia’s outback or Jordan’s deserts. Windsor’s open spaces provide a calm base, setting the stage for these ambitious outings.
St. Patrick’s Day blends duty and personal insights
The Wellington Barracks event showcased Kate’s role as Colonel of the Irish Guards in full splendor. Distributing shamrocks, later shared with the crowd, upheld a cherished tradition. Her green ensemble, accented by the historic Cartier brooch, paid homage to the day while her interactions with guards like Adam Hamilton added warmth. The revelations about her family life bridged her public duties with private dreams.
Living in Windsor, as she confirmed, marks a chapter of renewal for Kate, William, and their children. The move prioritizes nature over urban bustle, fueling plans like the Oceania trip. With George’s curiosity leading the way, the royal family may soon embark on a journey that promises both adventure and cherished family moments.
