With Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton's recent break on the Caribbean island of Mustique and Zara and Mike Tindall's month-long adventure in Australia where they rang in the New Year, the British royal family's travel plans for 2015 have already kicked off in true regal style. We take a look at where else on the world map the royals will be visiting this year.
China and Japan The Duke of Cambridge will visit China and Japan for the first time in February and March, according to Kensington Palace. Kate, who is currently seven months pregnant with the couple's second child, will naturally stay at home with their son Prince George. William's visit – which will see him spend three days in each country – will be China's most high-profile royal visit since the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh toured the country in 1986. The trip will also be a good chance for the Prince to promote a case close to his heart, the illegal trade of wildlife, as China is one of the countries with the largest market for products made from rhino horn, and as well as other endangered species.
Confirmed cities from the royal visit include Beijing, Shanghai and Tokyo.
The Middle East Prince Charles, who visited Saudi Arabia recently for the funeral of King Abdulla and last year accomanpanied by his wife Camilla, will return to the Middle East in February for his royal tour. Officials have said that Charles' return to the region highlights the importance the government places on their ties in the Middle East. This time, visiting solo, the 66-year-old royal will attend events in United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar. "The Prince of Wales's return to the region, only one year after his last tour, demonstrates the importance Her Majesty's Government places on its association with key partners in the area," said a Clarence House statement. "These connections are underpinned by the long-standing and respectful relationships which exist between the Royal Family and the ruling families in the Gulf".
Australia Zara Tindall saw out 2014 and saw in 2015 in Australia, where she enjoyed a month-long visit together with her husband Mike Tindall and their one-year-old daughter Mia Grace, in her role as the ambassador for the Magic Millions races. The world-famous city of Sydney and sunny Gold Coast were just a couple of destinations on the family's itinerary. The Queen's granddaughter made the most of the Australian summer and even celebrated her young daughter's first birthday with her former rugby player husband. She turned heads at the Magic Millions Carnival and Raceday at Surfer's Paradise, wearing a stunning selection of jewels worth more than £350,000 and also presented a prize to the winner of Racing Women, an initiative that aims to boost ownership of racehorses among women, with which she got involved in 2013.
Mustique William and Kate enjoyed their last holiday before their impending new arrival on the Caribbean Island of Mustique, where they were joined by her parents Carole and Michael Middleton and Kate's brother and sister James and Pippa. The family celebrated Carole's milestone 60th birthday and were said to stay in the stunning Aurora Villa, which features a private swimming pool and sun deck, plus a butler, chef and a housekeeper to cater to their every need. The winter break was perfect for the Cambridges, who got to enjoy some rest and relaxation before the arrival of baby no. 2.
Scotland, Balmoral Balmoral Castle in Scotland is the private residence of the Queen and is a favourite summer destination for her Majesty and her family in the months of August and September. Beloved by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the castle is located on the beautiful Balmoral Estate, which aims to protect the environment while contributing to the local community. The stunning Scottish countryside and its lush gardens provide not only a relaxed getaway for the adults, but will be a great playground for Prince George and his future sibling. The estate grounds, gardens and the castle's ballroom are open to visitors each year from April to the end of July.