The announcement of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s engagement yesterday was greeted with the expected frenzy of speculation by news outlets worldwide. While many have reacted with hysteria (some broadcasters dispatched helicopters to hover over Buckingham Palace for uninterrupted ‘coverage’) others sounded a note of caution.
The prospect of a lavish royal wedding, funded by the public purse at a time of severe cuts has already caused controversy among campaign groups. Buckingham Palace officials responded immediately by stating it is “too early” to estimate any costs for next year’s royal wedding – yet the likelihood is that extravagance will be avoided.
With this in mind there is evidence to suggest that the royal honeymoon will also be a modest affair. Kenya is offered as the 5/1 favourite destination by bookmakers Ladbrokes, in the main because William proposed there. Yet second favourite Scotland is offered at a tempting 8/1 while Wales is third at 16/1. And in a time of nationwide cutbacks, what greater example of solidarity than for the Royal couple to take a staycation?
In the last two years there has been a sharp increase in the popularity of caravanning amongst young couples. Caravan Times believes that the Prince and Miss Middleton could use a caravan as the perfect base for exploring the wilds of the Scottish Highlands or the valleys of Wales. Below we look at feasibility as well as likely destinations for the Royal couple.
The Scottish connection
Each year the Royal Family reinforces its ties to Scotland with a summer vacation. Balmoral has been the Scottish Home of the Royals ever since Queen Victoria purchased the estate in 1848. And this year Her Majesty was accompanied by the Duke of York and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie on a cruise of the Western Isles before heading to Balmoral. Most recently Caravan Times reader Robert W Reed documented the Queen’s visit to the Braemar Gathering.
Caravan Times would recommend the Royal couple stayed at a Caravan Club Certificated Location – small, five-van sites reserved exclusively for Caravan Club members. Unlike hotel complexes where security arrangements can involve hiring entire floors or areas, the exclusivity would allow members of security to take up the remaining pitches. It could also make setting up an exclusion zone to deter those unwanted paparazzi that much easier.
We believe the Prince should not have too much trouble reserving a pitch – since 1952 HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh has been the Caravan Club’s Patron.
The Royal Caravan
While such a honeymoon may seem far fetched to some, the Royal Family have recently been conscious of showing the way in terms of cutting costs. And they wouldn’t even have to buy or hire a tourer as there is a family vehicle on hand. The Royal Caravan dates from 1955 and has an ash frame clad in aluminium.
Originally given to Princess Anne and Prince Charles when they were children, it was later refurbished for the Caravan Club’s 75th anniversary and re-presented to Anne.
Could you recommend a caravan site in Scotland or Wales for the Royal Couple? Please post your comments below.
