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Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine Princess of Wales visit SportsAid at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre to mark World Mental Health Day on October 12, 2023 in Marlow, England. © Getty Images

Prince William and Princess Kate confirm return to royal duties

The royal couple and their three children are enjoying a few days of rest on the island of Mustique in the Lesser Antilles but have briefly paused their vacation to make a major announcement.


FEBRUARY 22, 2025 9:32 PM EST

Prince William and Princess Kate are vacationing in the Caribbean with their children—George, 11, Charlotte, 9, and Louis, 6—during their mid-February school break, enjoying the region’s warmth, privacy, and tranquility.

Despite their getaway, the couple briefly paused their holiday to announce upcoming royal engagements, highlighting their commitment to public service even while away.

HOPKINS, BELIZE - MARCH 20: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge travel to Hopkins, a small village on the coast which is considered the cultural centre of the Garifuna community in Belize. Here, Their Royal Highnesses will spend time with Garifuna people and witness a demonstration of Garifuna culture during their visit on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen on the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee. On March 20, 2022 in Hopkins, Belize. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)© Getty Images, Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The Prince and Princess of Wales have confirmed their return to official duties before March 1, starting with a visit to Pontypridd in Rhondda Cynon Taff on February 26, ahead of St. David's Day celebrations on March 1.

During their visit, they will meet with community members affected by the severe flooding caused by storms Bert and Darragh in late November and early December, which resulted in casualties and widespread damage. Their presence aims to support recovery efforts and highlight the resilience of the local community.

This engagement also marks a significant step for the Princess of Wales as she gradually resumes her public duties following her recent recovery. While she has prioritized her health and well-being, she remains dedicated to her royal commitments and is eager to reconnect with the communities they serve.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge during a visit to Abaco on March 26, 2022 in Great Abaco, Bahamas. © Samir Hussein/WireImage
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge during a visit to Abaco on March 26, 2022 in Great Abaco, Bahamas. Abaco was dramatically hit by Hurricane Dorian which saw winds of up to 185mph and left devastation in its wake. Their Royal Highnesses are learning about the impact of the hurricane and see how communities are still being rebuilt more than two years on.

During their visit, William and Kate will tour local businesses, including the Fountain Café and Meadow Street Community Garden, to assess the storm's impact firsthand. They will also stop by The Welsh Cake Shop, where they will assist in making traditional Welsh treats—sweet griddle-cooked bread typically filled with dried fruit.

This visit mirrors a similar trip made by King Charles III and Queen Camilla in 2020 after Storm Dennis devastated the area.

William and Kate have spent the past week on Mustique, a secluded Caribbean island in the Windward Islands, which has been one of their favorite retreats since before their 2011 marriage. The island, known for its exclusivity and privacy, offers luxurious accommodations accessible only to residents and authorized guests.

North America, West Indies, Lesser Antilles, Caribbean, Island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Mustique.© Universal Images Group via Getty
North America, West Indies, Lesser Antilles, Caribbean, Island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Mustique.

Mustique has long attracted celebrities, including King Charles III, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle. Other notable visitors include Brad Pitt, Tommy Hilfiger, Mick Jagger, and Carolina Herrera. Most recently, Sassa de Osma, the Princess of Hannover, was spotted enjoying the island’s tranquil beauty. Covering just 5.7 square kilometers, Mustique is part of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Queen Elizabeth II arrives in Mustique, Saint Vincent and is welcomed by Princess Margaret in 1977.
© Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II arrives in Mustique, Saint Vincent and is welcomed by Princess Margaret in 1977.

The Waleses’ go-to staycation destinations

In recent years, Kate Middleton and her family have gravitated toward a few favorite destinations for their staycations. Among their top choices are the Isles of Scilly, off the Cornish coast, and Jordan, where Kate spent part of her childhood.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge leave Tresco on 'Pegasus' during a visit to the Iscles of Scilly in Cornwall on September 2, 2016 in Tresco, England. © GC Images
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge leave Tresco on 'Pegasus' during a visit to the Iscles of Scilly in Cornwall on September 2, 2016 in Tresco, England.

One of their most cherished retreats is Tresco, a privately owned island in the Isles of Scilly. The Waleses have visited multiple times, including in 2020 and 2021. The island holds special significance for Prince William, who vacationed there as a child with his parents and brother. The family has been spotted cycling around the car-free island, unwinding on its pristine beaches, and embracing its relaxed atmosphere—making it the perfect setting for a peaceful family escape.

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