tickets for royal yacht britannia

TheBetterVacation.com

Everything about tourist attractions

Royal Yacht Britannia – tickets, prices, discounts, afternoon tea, what to see

Royal Yacht Britannia used to be Queen Elizabeth’s Palace on Water and is now Scotland’s most popular tourist attraction. 

Known by many names such as Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia, Queen Elizabeth’s Yacht ,  HMY Britannia, etc., this Yacht was in the Queen’s service for 44 years and sailed more than a million miles worldwide. 

It is a perfect opportunity to see how the British Queen lived when traveling with other Kings and Queens, World leaders, and celebrities. 

This article shares everything you must know before booking your tickets for the Royal Yacht Britannia tour.

Top Royal Yacht Britannia Tickets

# Royal Yacht Britannia tickets # Royal Edinburgh ticket

Table of contents

What to expect at yacht britannia, royal yacht britannia prices, royal edinburgh ticket, where is the royal yacht britannia, royal yacht britannia entrance, royal yacht britannia opening times, are the britannia tours timed, are the royal britannia tours guided, how long does a tour of britannia yacht take, royal britannia discounts, royal yacht britannia audio guide, royal deck tea room timings, 1. the state drawing room, 2. the verandah deck, 3. the sun lounge, 4. the state dining room, the engine room, the laundry, admiral’s cabin.

Here is a quick video on what visitors can expect inside Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia.

Your Royal Britannia tour starts from the Visitor Centre, on the second floor of Ocean Terminal, where you get the historical background about the Royal Family and Yachtsmen.

You then pick up the audio guide, which is part of the entry ticket, and board Queen Elizabeth’s Yacht and explore five fascinating decks.

Highlights on the Yacht’s Royal side are the Sun Lounge, the State Dining Room, and The Queen’s Bedroom.

On the ship’s operational side, you get to see the Crew’s Quarters, the Engine Room, the laundry, etc.

More than 95% of the exhibits you will see during your tour are original and are taken on loan from The Royal Collection.

If you prefer, you can also visit the Royal Deck Tea Room.

Back to Top

Royal Yacht Britannia tickets

This entry ticket gets you complete access to the Royal ship that’s now berthed in Edinburgh’s historic Port of Leith.

Visitors can explore all five decks at a leisurely pace even as they take in the public and private lives of the British Royal Family.

This ticket also includes the complimentary audio guide. 

Adult ticket (18+ years): 18.50 pounds Child ticket (5 to 17 years): 9.25 Pounds  Family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children): 50 Pounds Infant ticket (under 5 years): Free entry

This combo is known as the 48-hour Royal Edinburgh Ticket and is a real money saver. 

If you are visiting Edinburgh for the first time, we highly recommend this Royal attractions combo. 

This ticket gets you to access three of the best attractions in the city:

• Royal Yacht Britannia
• Edinburgh Castle
• Palace of Holyroodhouse

And to top it all, you also get unlimited travel for 48 hours on three of Edinburgh’s hop-on-hop-off bus tours. 

Address:  Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ, United Kingdom. Get Directions

The Royal Yacht Britannia is berthed in Leith, Edinburgh, just 2 miles from the City Centre.

Britannia’s Visitor Centre is on the second floor of Ocean Terminal, just 15 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh City Centre.

Ocean Terminal is soon going to be  re-branded  as Porta. 

There are many ways to get to the Royal Yacht. 

If you are coming by train, you must get down at  Edinburgh Waverley .

From outside the station, you can take a taxi to cover the 3.7 kms (2.3 miles) to Ocean Terminal. 

From the Waverly station, you can also take bus No. 22 and 34.

You must board the buses at  Princess Street (Stop PN) , and after 24 minutes and 27 stops, get down at  Ocean Terminal (Stop OF) .

There is a bus from the Station, every 15 minutes.

Lothian Bus services  run three buses – Bus No. 11, 22, and 35 – from Edinburgh City Centre to Ocean Terminal. 

You can purchase tickets on the bus by presenting the correct change or from the  Lothian Buses app .

A single journey on a Lothian Bus costs 1.70 Pounds. 

If you use Satnav, use the postcode EH6 6JJ. 

Else, open Google Maps to get  directions to Ocean Terminal .

If you prefer a taxi, we recommend  Uber ,  Central Taxis , or  City Cabs .

Car Parking

Royal Yacht Britannia offers free parking at Ocean Terminal.

Blue Car Park on Level E is closest to the tourist attraction’s Visitor Centre. 

This part of the Park also has spaces for Blue Badge holders. 

If you reach by foot, taxi, or bus, access to Royal Britannia is from the Ocean Terminal Shopping Center’s main entrance on the ground floor. 

You must take a lift to the 2nd floor of Ocean Terminal and walk towards the building’s East end.

You will first spot Debenhams and then HMY Britannia’s Visitor Center entrance.  Even though you can book tickets at the venue (the ticket desk is to the left of the visitor center entrance), it is better to  buy them online , much in advance, to avoid last-minute disappointment. 

During the peak months of April to October, Royal Yacht Britannia opens at 9.30 am, and the last entry is at 4.30 pm. 

The rest of the year, the Royal Yacht opens at 10 am, and the last entry is allowed till 3.30 pm. 

The last admission on 24 December is at 2.30 pm, and on 31 December it is at 3 pm. 

Royal Yacht Britannia is closed on 25 December and 1 January.

Royal Yacht Britannia tour

The Royal Yacht Britannia   tours are a perfect way to feel like a celebrity for a few hours. 

In this section, we share a few things you must know before you book your tour of the Royal ship. 

No, tours of HMY Britannia don’t start at a stipulated time. 

When you book your tickets, you only select the ‘date.’ 

On the day of your visit, reach the Royal ship between their opening hours to start exploring.

Her Majesty’s Yacht doesn’t offer guided tours. 

However, every ticket comes with an audio guide to walk around and tour the ship yourself.

Kids get their own version of the audio guide. 

You need at least two hours to explore Royal Yacht Britannia to satisfaction. 

However, if you plan to visit the Royal Deck Tea Room, you must factor in another 30 to 60 minutes. 

Visits during July and August tend to take longer because of the crowd. 

Kids up to four years get the maximum discounts at Britannia, Edinburgh – they get in for free. 

On the adult ticket price of 17 Pounds, children aged 5 to 17 years get almost 50% discount and pay only 8.75 Pounds.

Seniors who are 60+ and students with valid educational ID cards get a 2 Pound reduction on the full ticket.

People in the Armed Forces (with valid ID) can also claim the reduced price of 8.75 Pounds. 

However, this Armed Forces discount is available only at the Britannia ticket office.

Every Britannia Yacht entry ticket comes with a complimentary audio guide.

While receiving the audio guides at the Handset Desk, you can ask for straps to wear the audio guides around the neck. Headphones are also available.

Kids can opt for the children’s version of the audio guide.

The audio tour is available in 30 languages; English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Dutch, Finnish, Greek, Russian, Czech, Polish, Hungarian, Korean, Japanese, Urdu, Mandarin, Hindi, Arabic, Thai, Turkish, Cantonese, Punjabi, Portuguese-Brazilian, Welsh, Romanian and Gaelic. 

Besides the audio guide, visitor guides are also available through the tour route to help if you have questions.

Royal Yacht Britannia afternoon tea

The Royal Deck Tea Room is on board Britannia and tables are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

It is a perfect restaurant to enjoy freshly prepared food and stunning views of the harbor. 

The menu includes specialty coffees, cocktails, tasty soups, sandwiches, cakes, scones, etc.  Download Menu

The Royal Deck Tea Room has 35 tables and can seat 133 people.

During the peak months of April to October, the Royal Deck Team Room opens at 11 am, and the last admission is at 3.30 pm. 

January to March: Opens at 11 am, last admission at 3.30 pm

November to December: Opens at 10.30 pm, last admission at 3.45 pm

Royal Yacht Britannia interiors

Many tourists wonder what’s inside the Royal Yacht before they book their tickets. 

Some out of curiosity and some to know if a visit to Royal Yacht Britannia is worth it. 

We list below some of the highlights of this Palace on water. 

State Apartments

The State Apartments are the collection of rooms where the Royals lived or entertained their guests. 

The Royal family relaxed in the State Drawing Room whenever they traveled together. 

It also acted as a reception room for up to 250 guests. 

The Verandah Deck was a private space for the Royals, where they could sunbathe or enjoy quoits or deck hockey. 

This area of the ship also had a collapsible swimming pool for the Royal Family to splash around if they wanted.

The Sun Lounge was one of the Queen’s favorite rooms onboard HMY Brittania. 

The beautiful teak-lined room was a designated family room and offered a lot of privacy from the rest of the ship.

This massive dining room onboard Britannia has played host to the world’s most influential people, such as Nelson Mandela, Sir Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, etc. 

With its white paneled walls adorned with gifts received during State visits, this room represents ultimate luxury. 

The Engine Room is a testament to British marine engineering skills because, until the ship got decommissioned in 1997, everything was working fine. 

This room is full of gleaming brass, chrome, and white enamel with the ‘heavy stuff’ under the hood pumping 12,000 horsepower, which would help Britannia and her four-bladed propellers to a maximum of 22.5 knots.  

Eight men operated the Engine Room, Boiler Room, and associated machinery rooms.

The 240 Officers and Yachtsmen on board Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia sometimes had to change their uniforms up to six times a day. 

This is why it was the only ship in the Royal Navy to have a laundry service permanently on board. 

The laundry machines, dryers, and steam presses on the ship worked non-stop, and sometimes the temperature even went up to 48 degrees Celcius (118 degrees Fahrenheit)

The Admiral was responsible for Royal Yacht Britannia’s safe functioning and commanded the 19 officers and 220 Yachtsmen who operated the ship.

He worked, entertained, and often ate (he couldn’t join the other officers in their mess unless invited) in the Admiral’s Cabin. Image: Royalyachtbritannia.co.uk  

The Bridge was HMY Britannia’s center of command and control on all her journeys. 

From here, the officers reporting into the Admiral navigated, passed orders, recorded the logbooks, etc.

Back then, all Royal Navy ships had a Navy, Army, and Air Force Institute shop, known as the NAAFI. 

The crew members and the officers would shop for their daily needs, such as toothpaste, shaving creams, magazines, etc. in this shop. 

Sources # Royalyachtbritannia.co.uk # Architecturaldigest.com # Wikipedia.org # Tripadvisor.com The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

Popular attractions in Edinburgh

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Check out all the things to do in Edinburgh

This article was researched & written by

Urvashi Goyal

She is a city fanatic who loves exploring different cities, understanding their culture, meeting people, and discovering hidden gems. She likes to holiday in offbeat places that mainstream tourists are yet to discover. When on holiday, she avoids crowded tourist traps. Favourite cities: Bern, Los Angeles, and San Francisco

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

FireStorm Internet runs this website to provide the most accurate and up-to-day information about tourist attractions.

Our Address

FireStorm Internet, 203, 30C, Bollineni Hillside, Perumbakkam Main Road, Nookampalayam, Chennai, India. Pin Code: 600126

About Us The Team Contact Us Affiliate Disclaimer Content Policy HTML Sitemap Privacy Policy Terms of Service

Helicopter Tours Food Tours Ghost Tours Stadium Tours Hop On Hop Off Tours Zoo Tickets Madame Tussauds Linq High Roller Summit One Vanderbilt

© 2024 FireStorm Internet

The Royal Yacht Britannia Has a Fascinating History—Here's Everything You Should Know

It doesn't get more majestic than Queen Elizabeth II's yacht.

Seventy years ago, the Britannia began its journey as the royal yacht for Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family of the United Kingdom. Over the next 44 years she’d travel more than a million nautical miles and, in all her glamour and old world elegance, served as a residence that welcomed state visits from all over the world and family holidays alike. Then and now, she was and is a majestic symbol of the British Commonwealth and the reign of Queen Elizabeth II .

“Britannia is special for a number of reasons,” Prince Phillip once said. “Almost every previous sovereign has been responsible for building a church, a castle, a palace or just a house. The only comparable structure in the present reign is Britannia. As such she is a splendid example of contemporary British design and technology.”

Although she retired from service in 1997, today the Britannia, one of many of the world's grandest yachts , is docked in Edinburgh, where she is open as a visitors’ attraction and host of private events. Below we give you all the Royal Yacht Britannia facts you might want to know, from who owns the yacht now to why she was decommissioned to how fast she is to how to get tickets to visit. Britannia was, after all, the one place the queen said she could “truly relax,” so why not see why for yourself?

Royal Yacht Britania Facts and History

On February 4, 1952, John Brown & Co shipyard in Clydebank, Scotland, received the order from the Admiralty to build a new Royal Yacht to travel the globe and double as a hospital ship in times of war, according to the royal yacht's website . King George VI passed away two days after, sadly, and so on April 16, 1953, the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II announced the yacht’s new name as the ship was revealed.

"I name this ship Britannia,” she said. “I wish success to her and all who sail in her." Britannia was commissioned into the Royal Navy in January 1954 and by April of that year sailed into her first overseas port: Grand Harbour, Malta.

The queen and The Duke of Edinburgh worked with interior designer Sir Hugh Casson for the ship to serve as both a functional Royal Navy vessel and an elegant royal residence. Queen Elizabeth II selected deep blue for Britannia’s hull, instead of the more traditional black. Its Naval crew included 220 Yachtsmen, 20 officers, and three season officers—plus a Royal Marines Band of 26 men during Royal Tours.

All of them might have had to change uniform up to six times a day, so the laundry service on board worked nonstop. The yacht also engaged in British overseas trade missions known as Sea Days and made an estimated £3 billion for the Exchequer between 1991 and 1995 alone.

The ship’s wheel was taken from King Edward VII’s racing yacht, also named Britannia, according to Boat International , and the 126-meter ship could reach speeds of 22.75 knots, or a seagoing cruising speed of 21 knots, according to Super Yacht Times . Other fun facts: The yacht could produce her own fresh water from sea water, and shouting was forbidden aboard to preserve tranquility, favoring hand signals for Naval orders instead.

Over the next 44 years, the Britannia would sail the equivalent of once around the world for each year, in total visiting 600 ports in 135 countries. Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong-Jones were the first of four couples to honeymoon on the ship in 1960, gifting them all privacy to sail to secluded locations. Prince Charles and Princess Diana followed in 1981 on the Mediterranean as well as Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips before them in 1973 in the Caribbean and Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson in 1986 in the Azores.

For family vacations aboard the ship, games, treasure hunts, plays, and picnics were organized, and on warm days the children could play in an inflatable paddling pool on the Verandah Deck.

In the Sun Lounge, the queen especially enjoyed taking breakfast and afternoon tea with views through large picture windows, a space you can see replicated in the TV show The Crown. Although no filming took place on board the Britannia for the show, researchers ensured scenes aboard it were accurate. In the queen’s bedroom, the resemblance is seen down to the decorative wall light fittings and embroidered silk panel above her bed that had been specially commissioned.

In 1997, the ship was decommissioned after the government decided the costs to refit it would be too great. On its final day in her service that followed a farewell tour around the U.K., the queen openly wept as the Band of HM Royal Marines played "Highland Cathedral."

"Looking back over 44 years we can all reflect with pride and gratitude upon this great ship which has served the country, the Royal Navy and my family with such distinction," Queen Elizabeth II said. All clocks on the ship stopped at 15:01, the exact time the Queen disembarked from the yacht for the final time, and they would remain at that time until the present.

How to Tour the Royal Yacht Britania

Today the yacht is owned by Royal Yacht Britannia Trus t, and all revenue it generates goes to the yacht’s maintenance and preservation. Ticketed entry allows you to step into state rooms like the Sun Lounge, the State Dining Room and State Drawing Room, in addition to the working side of the ship in the Crew’s Quarters, Laundry and gleaming Engine Room. Along the way you will see original artifacts from the shop—95 percent of which is on loan from The Royal Collection.

How to Visit the Royal Britania

You can visit the Britannia any day of the year on Edinburgh’s waterfront. Hours vary by season, and you can find them listed and purchase tickets on the yacht’s website . Private tours are also available, and you can visit the Royal Deck Tearoom, where the Royal Family hosted cocktail parties and receptions, for drinks, meals and scones. Additionally, the Britannia hosts special ticketed events for New Year’s and other occasions, and event spaces can be booked as well.

While you are in Edinburgh, you can also stay on the Fingal , a neighboring yacht-turned-floating-hotel, which is a seven-minute walk from the Britannia, and dine at its Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar, which serves breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner, and cocktails.

These Are the 15 Best Places to Travel in June

The 12 Best Luxury Luggage Pieces of 2024

How to Spend a Perfect Weekend on 30A

The Most Remote Destinations on Earth

How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Jackson Hole

The Most Expensive Luxury AirBnBs in the World

The 15 Best Travel Purses to Carry You in Style

Paris's Most Beautiful Churches and Cathedrals

How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Phoenix, Arizona

Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Paris’s Left Bank

11 Places in the U.S. to Learn About Black History

Royal Yacht Britannia

Queen Elizabeth once said that the Royal Yacht Britannia was the only place she could truly relax, and we’re inclined to agree. After 968 official voyages worldwide, which counted for over 1 million nautical miles to 135 countries, the Royal Yacht Britannia is now a tourist attraction just two miles from Edinburgh’s city centre. The Royal Yacht Britannia has been visited by several world-famous people, including Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill, and potentially you too!

The floating palace of the British royal family is a sublime tourist attraction nestled near the Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre in Leith. With plenty of attractions to see within this royal household on the water, we’ll be breaking essential details to know and the top things to do on your visit. Sit tight and enjoy!

In This Post

Important Details to Know

Before you board Britannia and explore the royal halls, remember these important details to make your trip successful. Firstly, the Royal Yacht Britannia allows guide dogs on the premises, with special considerations for hearing and recognised assistance dogs.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is also a Class 1 Wheelchair Access, allowing for highly accessible wheelchair service without assistance.

How to Get There

You may be asking yourself, “Where is the Royal Yacht Britannia?”. Luckily, the Royal Yacht Britannia is located 20 minutes away from Edinburgh’s city centre , in the picturesque region of Leith. The Visitor Centre can be found on the second floor of the Ocean Terminal Centre and can be reached using a variety of transport methods.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is only a 20-minute drive from the city centre and a 40-minute drive if you’re arriving from Edinburgh Airport. From the city centre, follow the signs north towards Leith and then the signs for the Royal Yacht Britannia.

There is parking available within the Ocean Terminal Visitor Centre, with Level E the closest place to park. Free car parking and disability-access parking are available.

The Train Station near Royal Yacht Britannia is the Edinburgh Waverly Station. Further passage via car, tram, bike, or bus from the station is necessary to reach the attraction and visitor centre. You can also arrive in style on the Edinburgh Orient Express.

Edinburgh’s Lothian Bus Services can conveniently reach the Royal Yacht Britannia via the 10, 16, 34, and 35 lines. Ticket prices for the service vary, but generally, a single ticket costs £2, and a day ticket costs £5.

Opening Times

Opening times for the Royal Yacht Britannia vary throughout the year, but the attraction is generally open from 10:00 to 17:00, with longer hours during the summer months (April through September). Last admissions are two hours before closing time, so ensure you do not arrive afterwards to avoid disappointment.

Ticket Prices

Royal Yacht Britannia tickets for adults cost £19.50 per person, Child (5-17) tickets cost £9.25 per person, and Family Tickets cost £50.00 (2 Adults, up to 3 Children). Children under 5 enter for free.

It’s recommended that tickets be pre-booked online. Expect your tour through this visitor attraction to take about an hour and a half.

Attractions

Now that all the logistics and tickets are sorted, you can look forward to seeing why the Royal Yacht Britannia was voted the Best UK Attraction by Tripadvisor Travellers Choice in 2023. The Britannia Royal Yacht has 40 years of incredible history and unique insight to offer its visitors, with many of its features maintained precisely the same as when the royal family used it.

Here are the top attractions you should take the time to see when you visit Royal Yacht Britannia

Stop by the Visitor Centre First

Before setting foot on the mighty vessel, stop by the Royal Yacht Britannia Visitor Centre first! It’s located at the Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre, and has all the necessary information you’d need before hopping aboard the Britannia.

If you have any questions about the attraction, queries about your ticket, or want to know where the gift shop is, then this is the place to ask.

Tour Britannia’s Five Decks

The Royal Family were sailing in opulence aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, and visitors can explore the five decks of the Royal Yacht Britannia interior and exterior to their heart’s content. There are countless things to see, but here are a few that you should not miss during your visit while aboard this racing yacht:

Explore the Sun Lounge

Welcome to Queen Elizabeth’s favourite room aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Sun Lounge. The late Queen would often enjoy her breakfast and afternoon meals within the Sun Lounge because of its relative solitude and stunning views it grants. Admire the polished wood and blue hues as you relive the sights and sounds that made this location the Queen Mother’s favourite.

Fans of the show “The Crown” will likely remember this iconic room from the series, although no actual filming took place within the Sun Lounge.

Engine Room

One of the highlights of the Royal Yacht Britannia is undoubtedly the gleaming Engine Room, which has remained almost unchanged since its construction in 1953. For a nearly 75-year-old relic, you wouldn’t be faulted for believing that it’s brand new! The polished chrome, white enamel, and black steam turbines offer a unique industrial flair that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world.

You can imagine the hustle and bustle of the room, filled with hot steam and engineers making the mighty vessel cut through the seven seas to their next port. The Engine Room is an immersive and well-maintained part of the Britannia that you can’t miss while aboard.

Royal Deck Tearoom

Once you’ve explored the interior of Royal Yacht Britannia and have worked up an appetite, there’s no better place to sate it than the Royal Deck Tearoom. You can enjoy freshly baked cakes and scones alongside a selection of sandwiches and soups, all with a view out to Leith Harbour from the “Rolls Royce of Ships”.

The Royal Deck Tearoom also has a selection of exquisite teas for you to enjoy, including the Champagne Cream Tea! There’s something surreal about sipping tea where the Royal Family once played cards, an experience you can only enjoy from the Royal Deck Tearoom aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh .

The Royal Deck Tearoom has limited capacity and is unable to take reservations or bookings, so guests should expect a first-come, first-served system. The Tearoom has wheelchair accessibility and is only available for those with an admissions ticket to the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Take an Audio Tour

You can learn about the fascinating history of the Royal Yacht Britannia through the attraction’s audio tour! Children especially will love the audio tour’s child-curated guide, which offers the chance to unleash their inner Captain and search the five decks of the Britannia for the Cuddly Corgis hidden away within.

For the adults, the audio tour will cover the Britannia’s history from its maiden voyage to the decommissioning ceremony that led it to be the attraction it is today. If you want additional insight and fun facts while exploring the ship, then the audio guide will be your best friend.

See the State Apartments

The State Apartments are another grand highlight of the tour within the Royal Yacht Britannia, featuring some of the world’s most iconic dining rooms, bedrooms, and staterooms. The list of important locations within the State Apartments should be shorter, but we’ve tried to cover the top sights to watch out for.

Firstly, the State Drawing Room. This atmospheric room has a lively energy, even when empty, and was host to the likes of Princess Margaret, Princess Diana, and Sir Noel Coward — who all loved playing the immaculate keys of the Welmar Baby Grand Piano that sits within the room.

The grandest room aboard the Britannia is the State Dining Room, whose guest list would make anyone’s jaw drop! The dining room has seen Churchill, Mandela, Clinton, and even Reagan. There are several easter eggs throughout the dining room, such as the giant whalebone that Prince Philip found on Deception Island or a wooden shark signed by the adults of Pitcairn Island.

In all their former glory, the State Apartments are the Royal’s bedrooms, including the Queen’s bedroom. While it may be tempting to jump into the bed and see what thread the Royal Family sleeps on, we ask you refrain from doing so, or the Royal Yachtsmen will be very upset with you.

Shop at the Royal Yacht Britannia Gift Shop

There’s nothing quite like some retail therapy to make you feel like a Royal after exploring the Britannia. Luckily, the gift shop aboard this royal vessel has terrific souvenirs to take home with you. There’s a little something for everyone, from miniature replicas of the Britannia to Royal paraphernalia and even Royal Navy equipment.

Enjoy Britannia’s Events

Throughout the year, the Royal Yacht Britannia comes alive with corporate and public events. You can purchase tickets during many of Scotland’s most famous holidays if you want to celebrate in an unparalleled setting. Live it up aboard Britannia during Hogmanay, Burns Supper, or Christmas — complete with live music, delicious food, and an unmatched atmosphere.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is also available for exclusive use, including private tours and events. This Royal ship is a magnificent setting for a reception or company year-end bash, so why not create a memorable place for your most important moments?

Interesting Facts About The Royal Yacht Britannia

What do you do to impress your friends and family with some interesting facts about the Royal Yacht Britannia during your visit? Remember these interesting facts and show off your Royal knowledge:

• The marvelous gold and white binnacle situated on the Britannia’s veranda is actually originally part of the HMY Royal George (which was named after King George VI) — Queen Victoria’s royal yacht!
• Below the silver-grey carpet within the State Dining Room is a lavish wooden dance floor, last used for Princess Anne’s lively 21st birthday celebration.
• King Charles (then Prince Charles) and Princess Diana spent their honeymoon cruise aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia in 1981.
• Prince Philip kept a model replica of the HMS Magpie in his office aboard the Britannia, the first royal navy ship he commanded.
• The beautiful and stately steering wheel at the ship’s helm was originally taken from the racing yacht HMY Britannia, which was built for King Edward VII in 1893. It’s one of the oldest parts of the ship!

Now that you’re well equipped with facts to tackle the Royal Yacht Britannia, why not book your trip to Scotland’s most beloved tourist attraction and enjoy its magnificence in person?

More Scottish Museums to Visit

• Black Watch Museum
• Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
• Edinburgh Writers Museum
• Glasgow Science Centre
• Highland Folk Museum
• Museum of Childhood
• Museum of Edinburgh
• Museum of the Isles
• Museum on the Mound
• National Mining Museum
• National Museum of Flight
• National War Museum
• People’s Palace
• Riverside Museum
• Scottish Crannog Centre
• Scottish Maritime Museum
• Shetland Museum & Archives
• St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art
• Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life
• Surgeons’ Hall Museum
• V&A Dundee

Graham Grieve

Support this blog 💙.

• United Kingdom
• The Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia Tickets

Check availability.

1 option • from €69.00

The Royal Edinburgh

Hand-picked combinations.

Combine The Royal Yacht Britannia with other Edinburgh favorites. Some things are better together.

Edinburgh: City Audio Guide App for Your Smartphone + The Royal Edinburgh

Book once and enhance your experience with this convenient combination of 2 must sees

Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle + The Royal Edinburgh

Alnwick castle and scottish borders tour including castle admission + the royal edinburgh, loch ness tour from edinburgh with boat cruise + the royal edinburgh, loch ness explorer: roundtrip + lunch + the royal edinburgh, loch lomond, stirling castle + the royal edinburgh, jacobite steam train & scottish highlands tour + the royal edinburgh, highland games + the royal edinburgh, whisky and waterfalls including distillery tour + the royal edinburgh, outlander tour with doune castle entry + the royal edinburgh, outlander locations tour + the royal edinburgh, loch ness, whisky & outlander + the royal edinburgh, the royal yacht britannia reviews, about: the royal yacht britannia, description.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is one of Scotland's biggest attractions, which should come as no surprise considering the ship was in service as the Queen's yacht for 43 years, from 1954 until 1997.

After traveling more than a million nautical miles for Queen and country, Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia is now permanently berthed at Ocean Terminal, Leith, in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Opening hours

How to get there, suggested by tiqets, palace of holyroodhouse, the scotch whisky experience, edinburgh city tours, louvre museum, the real mary king's close, top things to do in edinburgh.

• Palace of Holyroodhouse |
• Edinburgh Castle |
• The Scotch Whisky Experience |
• John Knox House |
• The Real Mary King's Close |
• Edinburgh Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours |
• Edinburgh City Tours |
• Harry Potter Tours |
• The Port of Leith Distillery |
• The Edinburgh Dungeon |
• Lind and Lime Gin Distillery |
• Blair Street Underground Vaults |
• The Royal Yacht Britannia |
• Day Trips from Edinburgh |
• Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh |
• Highland Explorer Tours |
• Edinburgh Walking Tours |
• Edinburgh City Cards |
• Islander Workshop Experience |
• The Great Tapestry of Scotland |
• Edinburgh Airport Transfers

Cities in the United Kingdom

• Edinburgh |
• Liverpool |
• Manchester |
• Blackpool |
• Birmingham |

Tickets & prices The Royal Yacht Britannia

• Homepage Homepage

The Royal Yacht Britannia

• Current: Tickets & prices

This museum is closed temporarily.

Admission prices & discounts for tickets to The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh

The following overview lists the admission prices and various discounts and discount codes for a visit to The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh . All prices are displayed per age group or reduced rate group. You can also directly book your discounted online ticket for the The Royal Yacht Britannia here, if available, or make a reservation to reserve a timeslot if applicable.

• #19 in Edinburgh
• View best museums in Scotland

Wondering what a ticket to The Royal Yacht Britannia costs? These are the prices:

Ticket prices & discounts

Armed Forces are only available at the Britannia ticket desk on the second floor of Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre with ID (Staff ID or payslip). Please be reassured, even though it is not possible to book these discounted tickets in advance, you can still buy your tickets at the ticket desk. Student tickets can only be purchased from the ticket desk with a valid student ID.

Tours & tickets near The Royal Yacht Britannia

Here are some tours and tickets near The Royal Yacht Britannia, including discount cards & passes, skip the line tickets and tickets to events & activities in Edinburgh.

Book now →

More about The Royal Yacht Britannia

I visited the Royal Yacht Britannia, the royal family's luxurious private cruise ship known as a 'floating palace.' Take a look inside.

• The Royal Yacht Britannia was the royal family's private yacht from 1953 to 1997.
• The ship is now a museum open to the public in Edinburgh, Scotland.
• The tour shows the Queen's bedroom, state rooms used for entertaining, and crew bunks.

The Royal Yacht Britannia was the royal family's private yacht from 1953 to 1997.

With its many royal family vacations and official tours, the yacht logged over 1 million miles , the equivalent of one trip around the world for each of its 44 years at sea.

The Queen once said that "Britannia is the one place where I can truly relax."

The Labour government decommissioned the ship in 1997 due to its high operation cost of £11 million each year, Reuters reported . That's equivalent to about $23 million today.

At the decommissioning ceremony, the Queen  shed a rare public tear .

The ship has made several appearances in Netflix's "The Crown," including season five .

The yacht is now a museum open to the public in Edinburgh, Scotland.

On a recent trip to Scotland , I booked a ticket for the Royal Yacht Britannia museum, which costs £18.50 ($23) for adults.

The entrance is located inside the Ocean Terminal shopping center in Edinburgh.

Before boarding the yacht, visitors walk through a museum detailing the boat's history and connection to the royal family.

The five-story ship was a royal residence as well as a Royal Navy ship, with a full-time staff of more than 240 royal yachtsmen and officers.

The museum displays photos of the royal family's life aboard the ship, as well as items like crew uniforms.

Then, a walkway with more photos leads to the deck of the boat.

The ship is docked on the water just outside the shopping center.

I listened to the audio tour of the ship on my phone by scanning a QR code.

There were also separate listening devices available.

Each room of the ship had a number that you could type in and press "play" to hear about your surroundings in an array of languages.

The first stop was the bridge, the main control point of the yacht.

In this small space, officers navigated the seas and recorded data in the ship's logbooks.

Outside, the flag deck is the highest point on the ship.

Britannia had three masts, and different flags were used to communicate with other ships on the water.

The admiral's cabin and suite is the most spacious on the ship, aside from the royal apartments.

The admiral's accommodations featured a day room, bedroom, bathroom, and pantry. The sofa and armchairs in the dayroom are over 100 years old and came from the previous royal yacht, Victoria and Albert III.

The royal family often sunbathed, played deck hockey, or swam in a collapsible swimming pool on the Veranda Deck.

Part of the yacht's royal quarters, the deck was also used for receptions and group photos.

Prince Philip occasionally set up his easel on the deck to paint.

Overlooking the Veranda Deck, the Sun Lounge was one of the Queen's favorite rooms on the ship.

Queen Elizabeth would often take her breakfast and afternoon tea in the Sun Lounge.

The Queen's bedroom on the Royal Yacht Britannia featured bed linens that once belonged to Queen Victoria.

The embroidered silk panel above the Queen's bed, commissioned in 1953, cost £450 ($560, or $6,250 in today's money).

Her sheets were embossed with "HM The Queen."

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip had separate bedrooms connected by an adjoining door.

Each room had its own bathroom.

Philip's bedroom featured red linens, and he requested pillowcases without lace trim.

A button next to each of their beds would summon a royal steward.

Across the hall, the Honeymoon Suite was the only room onboard with a double bed.

The double bed was requested by then-Prince Charles when he honeymooned with Princess Diana in 1981.

The room was also used as a nursery when the royal children were young.

The Anteroom served as a recreational space for the officers, off-limits to the rest of the crew.

Officers would spend their time here listening to the radio and playing board games.

The royal family occasionally dined in the adjoining Wardroom.

Britannia's 19 officers ate meals here, accompanied by the Royal Marines Band.

Britannia has three galleys, which are still working kitchens today.

The galleys prepare food for the Royal Deck Tea Room and events hosted on the ship.

The Royal Deck Tea Room offers an extensive menu of soups, sandwiches, scones, and other treats for visitors to the museum.

The royal family once used the space to entertain guests and play deck games.

The state dining room is the largest room on the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, Nelson Mandela, and many other world leaders dined here with the royal family.

The placement of each utensil was measured with a ruler.

Just off the state dining room, the Queen's sitting room served as her office.

Here, the Queen would meet with her press secretaries and prepare for royal visits.

On the opposite side of the hall, the Duke of Edinburgh had his own sitting room.

Both Philip and Charles used the room as a study. Philip kept a model of his first naval command, the HMS Magpie, above his desk.

The telephones connecting the sitting rooms to each other and their private secretaries' offices are identical to the phones used in Buckingham Palace.

The large Drawing Room and connecting Anteroom could accommodate up to 250 guests.

The Drawing Room featured an electric fireplace and cozy floral furniture. When it wasn't being used as a reception space during formal events, the royal family used it to relax and play games on the card tables.

Petty officers and Royal Marine sergeants kicked back in their living quarters, also known as the mess.

Petty officers would occasionally entertain the Queen and other royal family members here.

The crew bunks weren't as glamorous as the royal apartments.

Each bunk folded up into a seat, and crew members stored their possessions in lockers.

Britannia's NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes) shop sold souvenirs and sweets, as well as essentials like toothpaste.

Diana once bought Prince William a Britannia souvenir shirt from the shop. Today, it sells homemade fudge to museum guests.

The ship's sick bay and operating theater still feature the original furnishings from the 1950s.

The ship's doctor attended to crew members, while the Queen's royal surgeon traveled with her on voyages.

Britannia's laundry room could reach temperatures of 120 degrees Fahrenheit as it washed up to 600 shirts in one day.

The royal family's laundry was done on different days than the crew's laundry.

All of the clocks onboard the Royal Yacht Britannia are stopped at 3:01 p.m.

The clocks are frozen at the  time the Queen stepped off the ship for the last time  during its decommissioning ceremony in December 1997.

The tour concludes in a gift shop full of royal souvenirs.

Amid the Britannia-themed mugs, pens, and aprons, the gift shop also sold replicas of royal jewelry.

There's even a photo-op at the end of the tour where you can practice your royal wave.

The tour was full of surprising facts about royal life and travels, and I couldn't believe that we actually got to see inside Queen Elizabeth's bedroom on the ship. It's definitely worth a visit.

• Main content

Royal Yacht Britannia & Leith

The royal yacht located in the port of leith (edinburgh).

In the harbor district of Edinburgh, Leith, lies the Royal Yacht Britannia. Read all the information about how you can visit this impressive royal yacht with a guided tour.

Visit the royal yacht in Leith

For forty years, the Royal Yacht Britannia was the official means of sea transportation for the British Royal Family. Today you can visit the royal yacht in the harbor town of Edinburgh , Leith . Visit the royal family's five-deck yacht with an audio guide and learn about the state apartments and crew cabins.

The Royal Yacht Britannia

For more than 44 years, the Britannia sailed the British monarchs around the world. The Britannia was the last yacht of a total of 83 royal yachts. In total, the Britannia has sailed more than one million nautical miles on her way to approximately 968 state visits around the world. It is not surprising that the ship has played several key roles in major historical events. Britannia was also known for the large state banquets that were organized on deck. The Royal Apartments have hosted many well-known world leaders.

What to see on the Royal Yacht?

According to many, the highlight of a visit to the Royal Yacht is the viewing of the Queen's Bedroom. Other areas you will see include the States Apartments, the State Diner Room, and the Engine Room. Also visit the famous Sun Lounge, where the Queen loved to have breakfast or drink tea. Or take a look at the Admiral Quarters, where the admiral worked and often ate during his visit to the Royal Yacht . Where the British monarchs used to enjoy games and entertainment, nowadays you can have a bite to eat and enjoy the view over the sea.

The still bustling Leith

Leith is a pleasant harbor district in the north of Edinburgh. Since the bustling harbor was here in the eighteenth century, Leith was Scotland 's main port for products such as wool, wine, spices and raw materials. In 1920, Leith officially became part of Edinburgh . The yacht of the British monarchs docked at Leiths Ocean Terminal after her last voyage and is still here. Although Leith therefore became known among tourists, this district also has its own charm.

Innovative restaurants

In terms of restaurants, you won't have to starve in Leith. You will find unique, innovative restaurants everywhere and there are even two Michelin restaurants in the district: The Kitchin and Restaurant Martin Wishart . Food in a cozy atmosphere can be found in Borough's. Or visit one of the many seafood restaurants, such as Ship on the Shore. If you prefer Italian or Asian cuisine, visit East Pizzas and Lucky Yu respectively. You don't have to look far for lunch either. Leith offers you the largest sandwiches in Alby's. The port town's first wine café is Toast and for coffee lovers you have Williams and Johnson.

Where is the Royal Yacht Brittania in Edinburgh?

Most visited attractions

Top 20 Things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle & Tickets

Excursions in Scotland

This is the announcement bar for Poornima to test the Close Button.  It will expire May 31 2024.

• Pre-Cruise FAQ
• Onboard FAQ
• Post-Cruise FAQ
• Cruisetours FAQ
• Special Offers Sign Up
• Cruise Deals

You have been logged out

Your window will update in 5 secs

Princess Cruises – Find The Best Cruise For You

Sun princess europe, mexican riviera.

Talk About Exciting & New

See the world in a new light when Sun Princess® and Star Princess® debut in 2024 and 2025

3rd and 4th guests sail free, drinks, wi-fi and more., save on the things you're gonna do anyway., discover nearby cruises.

Cruises Departing

Princess® Rewards Visa® Card

Earn 20,000 bonus points, that's $200 toward your next cruise. Terms apply.

Get the new Princess® App

Download the brand new app and take your upcoming cruise to the next level.

2025 World Cruises

For a limited time, you’ll enjoy our Princess Premier package – at no extra cost.

† Subject to full  terms, restrictions, and conditions

The Royal Yacht Britannia Ticket Portal

Gift Tickets

• My Account Manage your details
• FAQs Got a question?
• Call us 0131 555 5566
• Email us [email protected]
• Visit our website https://www.royalyachtbritanni...

A Britannia Gift Ticket is the perfect present. Whether it be a birthday, anniversary or thank you, the Royal Yacht is an experience that will be enjoyed by everyone.  

Ticket options

• Gift Adult Ticket Gift Adult Ticket £19.50 0 30 max

2 adults and up to 3 children.

• Call us : 0131 555 5566
• View company information
• Registered Company Name : Royal Yacht Britannia
• Branch Address : Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ
• Registered Company Address : C/O Turcan Connell Princes Exchange, 1 Earl Grey Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, EH3 9EE
• Registered Company Number : SC18547

Our payments are processed using : Payment Express

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Accessibility Statement

I'm having trouble with my purchase!

Tell me more about DigiTickets!

Our website uses necessary cookies to complete your checkout.

We would also like to set optional cookies for analytics to help make improvements to the website and for marketing purposes. These will be set only if you accept below.

For more information please see our Cookie Policy within our Privacy Policy .

• Royal Deck Tearoom
• Group Visit
• Accessibility
• Annual Pass
• Our Green Tourism

Weekly Snaps

• Things to do in Edinburgh
• What's On
• Private Events
• Private Dining
• Drinks Reception
• Private Tours
• Testimonials
• Meet The Team
• Historical Timeline
• Explore Britannia
• Royal Residence
• Life Below Decks
• Bestsellers
• Gift Vouchers

The Royal Yacht Britannia, Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ

Tel: 0131 555 5566 Email us: [email protected]

The Royal Yacht Britannia is open, visit today 10am – 3pm!

• Search this website

22 March 2024

Photography has always played an important role on   Britannia. While she was in service, there was always a 'Yottie' appointed, nicknamed 'Snaps', to take photographs of life on board the Royal Yacht.

In keeping with this tradition, we now have our own Photographer in Residence, who has been capturing our very own Weekly 'Snaps' - a collection of snapshots of life around the ship today.

Due to construction work at Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre, Britannia has been closed this week. As part of this redevelopment, Britannia will also be gaining a new Visitor Centre and Gift Shop which will involve us operating out of temporary accommodation whilst these new facilities are being created. Our temporary Gift Shop is now open on the Ground Floor of Ocean Terminal. 

Previous Weeks 2024

Previous weeks 2023, previous weeks 2022.

The Royal Yacht Britannia's Bell is the only place on the ship where you will find the ship's name. Lynne, Housekeeper, gives it a gleaming shine.

Anhelina, Housekeeper, maintaining the outside of the beautiful and relaxing Sun Lounge.

Britannia's new temporary Gift Shop is now open on the ground floor of Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre. Come along to choose from unique gifts and souvenirs.

A cup of tea accompanied by Britannia shortbread is the perfect treat. Purchase your tea and shortbread from our Shop to enjoy at home.

A glimpse at our temporary Ticket Office.

Antony Gormley's statue standing at the end of the old pier can be seen from our decks.

The gantry is removed and Britannia's Funnel has scaffolding in place for painting.

Another look at the scaffolding.

Jay making the new handset counter for the temporary Ticket Office.

Mark doing repair works to the replica dining room table prior to French polishing in the State Dining Room.

New Facilities Officer, William, painting the handset counter.

Rab priming the steelwork on the starboard Shelter Deck bulwark.

A perry buoy at the entrance to Britannia's sister ship, Fingal.

Chef de Partie, Patryk, one of the Galley crew at Fingal's Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar.

The stylish Ballroom is set for an evening of indulgent entertaining and can be hired for your exclusive event.

A delicious treat welcomes guests to their cabin at Fingal with these exquisite chocolates.

The Ensign of the Northern Lighthouse Board flies aboard the former NLB tender, Fingal.

Visiting Britannia

Tripadvisor’s No.1 UK Attraction 2023

Due to upcoming construction work at Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre , Britannia will be closed 25-28 June.

Click on the Visit page  for all you need to know before you visit.

Step aboard to enjoy a great day out!

Fingal Hotel

Get away from the everyday aboard Britannia’s sister ship, Fingal.  Extend your visit with a stay in one of Fingal’s luxurious cabins, your own oasis by the sea. 

AA Hotel of the Year Scotland, AA five-star hotel and 2 AA Rosettes

Learn more: fingal.co.uk

Entertainment | Princess Diana’s honeymoon with Prince Charles:…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Today's e-Edition

Things To Do

• Food & Drink
• Celebrities
• Pets & Animals
• Event Calendar

Entertainment

Entertainment | princess diana’s honeymoon with prince charles: lots of sleep but anything else.

This 02 November 1992 file photo shows the Prince and Princess of Wales during their visit to South Korea. Prime Minister John Major announced 09 December 1992 at the House of Commons that the royal couple will separate after 11 years of marriage. (Photo credit should read FILES/AFP/Getty Images)

Picture of Lady Diana, Princess of Wales with Prince Charles of Wales at their wedding at St Paul Cathedral in London in this file photo dated 29 July 1981. Lady Diana and her lover, the Egyptian millionaire businessman Dodi al-Fayed died after a midnight car crash in Paris 31 August. At far (R) Earl Spencer, father of Lady Diana. (Photo credit should read STR/AFP/Getty Images)

Prince Charles and the Princess of Wales (1961 - 1997, later Diana, Princess of Wales) arrive for a British Film Institute dinner at 11 Downing Street, the official residence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, 2nd February 1982. Diana wears a lace and velvet gown by Bellville Sassoon. (Photo by Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - 1983: Princess Diana And Prince Charles watch an official event during their first royal Australian tour 1983 IN Newcastle, Austrlia. (Photo by Patrick Riviere/Getty Images)

(FILES) This file picture taken 05 November 1989 in Yogyakarta shows Prince and Princess of Wales attending a ceremony with Indonesian tribal dancers. Ten years after her death in a Paris tunnel on 31 August 1997, Princess Diana shows no sign of retreating into the shadows -- her most enduring legacy the ability, even now, to engage, capture and divide public opinion. AFP PHOTO/FILES/Kazuhiro NOGI TO GO WITH AFP STORY / PACKAGE BRITAIN-ROYALS-DIANA-10YEARS / GB-ROYAUTE-DIANA-10ANS (Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images)

Prince Charles and the Princess of Wales (1961 - 1997, later Diana, Princess of Wales) at Westminster Abbey, London, for a centenary service for the Royal College Of Music, 28th February 1982. (Photo by Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

(FILES) This file picture taken 19 August 1995 in London shows Princess Diana (L), her sons Harry(2nd L) and William (2nd R), and Prince Charles(R) watching the parade march past as part of the commemorations of VJ Day. Ten years after her death in a Paris tunnel on 31 August 1997, Princess Diana shows no sign of retreating into the shadows -- her most enduring legacy the ability, even now, to engage, capture and divide public opinion. AFP PHOTO/FILES TO GO WITH AFP STORY / PACKAGE BRITAIN-ROYALS-DIANA-10YEARS / GB-ROYAUTE-DIANA-10ANS (Photo credit should read JOHNNY EGGITT/AFP/Getty Images)

Britain's Prince Charles (background, L), Princess Diana (C) and their sons, William (R) and Harry, leave the church of St. Mary Magdalen near Sandrigham House 25 December. Diana arrived at Sandringham 24 December for the traditional Christmas Eve present-opening with the royal family. (Color key: green grass). (Photo credit should read POOL/AFP/Getty Images)

US President Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy welcome 09 November 1985 in White House, Washington, D.C., Princess Diana and her husband Prince Charles. The Royal Couple arrive in Washington, D.C. for a three-day visit before traveling on to Florida. Britain's Prince Charles and his new bride, Camilla, arrive in the United States Tuesday 01 November 2005 on their first official trip overseas since their wedding in April. The eight-day visit to New York, Washington and San Francisco will include a wreath-laying ceremony at the site of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, a meeting with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, lunch and dinner at the White House and several receptions, as well as meetings with business leaders and organic farmers. AFP PHOTO DON RYPKA (Photo credit should read DON RYPKA/AFP/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 24: Britain's Princess Diana (R) and British Ambassador to the US David Kerr arrive at the Nina Hyde Gala fund raising benefit for breast cancer research 24 September in Washinton, DC. Princess Diana attended the Nina Hyde Center breakfast earlier in the day hosted by US First Lady Hillary Clinton at the White House. (Photo credit should read JOYCE NALTCHAYAN/AFP/Getty Images)

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Britain's Princess of Wales departs her London health club 20 November before her controversial TV interview later this evening. The Princess is expected to divulge her life with Prince Charles after their marriage. AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read JOHNNY EGGITT/AFP/Getty Images)

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - NOVEMBER 24: Diana, Princess of Wales, is greeted by supporters 24 November during her visit to the Doctor Angel Roffo hospital in Buenos Aires. Diana's four-day visit to Argentina was the second by a member of Britain's royal family since the two countries fought a brief war over the Malvinas archipelago. AFP PHOTO Alejandro PAGNI/ap (Photo credit should read ALEJANDRO PAGNI/AFP/Getty Images)

Britain's Princess Diana (L) sits with US First Lady Hillary Clinton during ceremonies at the White House on September 24, 1996. Hillary Clinton hosted a fund-raising breakfast to benefit breast cancer research. / AFP PHOTO / Jamal A. WILSON (Photo credit should read JAMAL A. WILSON/AFP/Getty Images)

(FILES) A file photo taken 19 February 1992 shows Mother Teresa (L) chatting with Diana, Princess of Wales, during a visit to a convent in Rome. Mother Teresa died 05 September at the age of 87, according to reports on CNN television. (Photo credit should read -/AFP/Getty Images)

Getty Images

NOV1996 1996 - PRINCESS DIANA AT THE VICTOR CHANG CARDIAC RESEARCH INSTITUTE , SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA. (Photo by Patrick Riviere/Getty Images)

PARIS, FRANCE: Britain's Princess Diana steps out of her car 25 September as she arrived at the Petit-Palais in Paris for a dinner in her honor. Diana is on a two-day official visit to France. AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read ERIC FEFERBERG/AFP/Getty Images)

PARIS, FRANCE: Picture dated 14 November 1992 of Diana, Princess of Wales waving to the crowd as she arrives at the Cite de la Musique at La Villette in Paris. Diana died in hospital early 31 August after a midnight car crash in central Paris in which her friend the Egyptian millionaire film-producer Dodi al-Fayed and driver were also killed. (Woman at R is unidentified) (Photo credit should read JOEL ROBINE/AFP/Getty Images)

Diana, the Princess of Wales after arriving 17 June at the Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington to attend a gala dinner for landmine victims. A few days earlier Diana renewed in London her call for a global ban on landmines, asking "how can countries which manufacture and trade in these weapons square their conscience with such human devastation?" (Photo credit should read JOHN STILLWELL/AFP/Getty Images)

(FILES) Photo dated 10 August 1997 shows Diana, Princess of Wales, posing for a photograph with some French SFOR soldiers at Sarajevo airport before her flight to London. Diana died in a hospital in Paris, early 31 August, from massive internal injuries following a car crash. Her friend Egyptian millionaire Dodi el-Fayed was killed when the car crashed. The Princess was 36 years old. AFP PHOTO FILES/STEFAN ROUSSEAU (Photo credit should read STEFAN ROUSSEAU/AFP/Getty Images)

Princess of Wales Lady Diana feeds a minor cancer effected child during the variety show presented by the children at Khanum memorial cancer hospital on Februray 22, 1996 in Lahore. / AFP PHOTO / - (Photo credit should read -/AFP/Getty Images)

Britain's Princess Diana wearing a heavy duty protection vest and face shield, is accompanied by a mine-clearing expert of the Halo Trust 15 January during her visit to the mine fields near Huambo, where she watched mine-clearing operations in an area once on the frontline of the Angolan civil war. / AFP PHOTO / LUSA / ANTONIO COTRIM (Photo credit should read ANTONIO COTRIM/AFP/Getty Images)

Archpriest Magio (R) shakes hands with British rock star Elton John standing next to Princess Diana (L) during the requiem mass for Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace at the Duomoin Milan 22 July 1997. Versace was gunned down in Miami Beach 15 July. EDS NOTE: Best quality available. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) (Photo credit should read GERARD JULIEN/AFP/Getty Images)

NOV 1996 - PRINCESS DIANA, THE PRINCESS OF WALES ARRIVING AT THE VICTOR CHANG CARDIAC RESEARCH INSTITUTE DINNER DANCE IN SYDNEY , AUSTRALIA. (Photo by Patrick Riviere/Getty Images)

Pop stars George Michael (top) and Elton John leave Westminster Abbey after the funeral service 06 September of Diana Princess of Wales. The Princess was killed in a car crash in Paris 31 August. (Photo credit should read JOHNNY EGGITT/AFP/Getty Images)

The Prince of Wales and his sons Prince William (R) and Prince Harry, view the sea of floral tributes to their mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, at Kensington Palace, 05 September. ==UK OUT=== / AFP PHOTO / EPA/PA / REBECCA NADEN (Photo credit should read REBECCA NADEN/AFP/Getty Images)

A few days after their fairytale royal wedding on July 29, 1981, watched by an estimated global TV audience of 750 million, Charles and Diana, the prince and princess of Wales, flew off to Gibraltar to board the Royal Yacht Britannia.

They were expected to enjoy the most exciting and romantic 14 days of their extended honeymoon: a cruise around the Mediterranean that would take them to the sun-kissed Greek islands.

On the island of Crete, according to one account , they discovered a secret cove. There, under a brilliant blue sky and with temperatures in the 90s, the 20-year-old Diana swam in a bright yellow bikini as her 32-year-old husband sunbathed on the beach. A crew of 307 attended to their every wish, and they spent most of their evenings alone on the royal deck.

It sounds like an enchanted 14 days. Or was it?

A batch of letters, written by Diana to her personal secretary, Jane Parsons, presents an “intimate glimpse” into the marriage of Prince Charles and the late princess, according to Vanity Fair. The letters will be auctioned off next month,

The marriage, as the world later learned, was not a happy one. The couple divorced in 1996, and Diana was dead a year later, fatally injured in a car crash in Paris.

It seems that things started to go wrong even before the so-called wedding of the century when Diana learned that Charles had given his ex-girlfriend Camilla Parker Bowles a bracelet. Then on their honeymoon cruise, Diana noticed that Charles was wearing a set of cufflinks given to him by Camilla. The couple had a “furious row.”

One letter in the batch to be auctioned off hints at this less than romantic picture of Diana’s time alone with her new husband. It is dated August 15, 1981, and is written on Britannia–crested paper.  In it, the young princess writes, “The honeymoon was a perfect opportunity to catch up on sleep.”

Other letters provide other intriguing details of the next few years as the new wife and mother tries to adjust to royal life.

— Prince William received 4,500 baby presents on the occasion of his birth, and there were a total of 24,000 thank-you notes sent out after the fact.

— Diana wanted to make sure that her staff was not feeling “exhausted, overworked and underpaid” after William’s birth. She herself felt somewhat deluged, explaining to Parsons, after her own 21st birthday, “I have never been more confused than on my birthday as presents and telegrams were pouring in for W at KP as well as my own—so at the moment I just seem to be churning out letters!”

— Diana was very happy that William was excited to see her when she returned home from an official trip to Australia in 1983. She also apparently didn’t love all the traveling. She wrote, “William recognised us instantly, which was a relief as sometimes children resent their parents leaving them! It’s marvellous to be home again and hopefully we won’t have to do any more travelling this year… Wishful thinking!”

• Report an error
• Policies and Standards

More in Entertainment

Entertainment | Mavis Staples joins lineup for Heritage Theatre’s 20th anniversary

Horoscopes | Horoscopes March 24, 2024: Jim Parsons, make a difference

Horoscopes | Horoscopes March 23, 2024: Randall Park, tighten your circle

Entertainment | At GDC 2024, tech companies offer a glimpse of AI-powered characters