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There aren’t too many things about the royal family that seem simple. After all they have regal titles, live in Palaces, and have people ready to serve them whenever they’d like.

There isn’t much that’s simple about vacationing on a yacht off the coast of Greece with your children either, except maybe for Prince William and the Princess of Wales’ (formerly known as Kate Middleton) reason for wanting to be on the water rather than the land.

Here’s what someone who used to work for the royal family is saying about why the Waleses choose to be on a yacht while taking trips with the children.

What Prince William and Kate get on a yacht that they can’t get elsewhere

Grant Harrold was King Charles’ butler from 2004 to 2011. During his time working for the now-monarch, his duties included those of valet, housekeeper, house manager, and driver as well. Harrold also looked after Prince Harry, Prince William, and William’s then-girlfriend Kate whenever they were staying at Highgrove House.

Speaking to The Boat Charter, Harrold said: “The royal family are very much a sea-loving family. They’re known for their love of yachting holidays — and who wouldn’t? It’s a lovely way to travel, a nice way to see the world, and it’s fun. Historically, the family tends to yacht around Greece, and it’s definitely a great time of year to go with the weather.”

The former royal butler added that one of the biggest reasons it’s a preferred method of travel for the Waleses is because it offers them privacy away from prying eyes during their downtime together.

“Yachting is also a great way for the royals to get privacy while abroad,” Harrold explained. “When you’re out at sea, it’s a bit trickier to be tracked or followed. It gives them that privacy, which I’d imagine is a key reason Kate and William would choose a holiday like this.

“I can imagine Kate and William bringing some supplies on board — traditionally, they might bring some wine and contribute to the food side of things. They’re also really good with staff, so there would likely be one or two small gifts for them during the trip.”

William takes after his mother, who also preferred to vacation on yachts

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Harrold also discussed how the prince takes after his mother, Princess Diana, when it comes to vacationing on a yacht.

“Kate and William like the sea [and] William’s mother loved going on superyachts,” Harrold said. “William is a passionate swimmer and we used to get involved in competitions … He also likes the sun, and we know Harry also prefers the sun too.”

The former royal staffer then noted how that differs from some other members of the family who enjoy the Scottish climate that’s offered when they holiday.

“The late Queen Elizabeth was definitely more into going to Balmoral,” Harrold shared. “The king, I think, is more someone who enjoys the Scottish weather — it doesn’t bother him. Whereas Queen Camilla likes the sun too, but she also very much enjoys spending time at Balmoral.”

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