5 royal swimming pools you never knew existed: Prince William and Kate, the Queen & more
A heatwave is reportedly on the way in the UK, and these royals have the perfect way to cool down, as they have their very own private swimming pools in their homes. From the Queen’s historic indoor pool at Buckingham Palace to the incredible outdoor pool at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Montecito home, get the lowdown on the enviable royal swimming pools you may never have even known existed.
The Queen’s private pool at Buckingham Palace
The Queen has a private indoor swimming pool at Buckingham Palace, which has long been a favourite spot for the entire royal family. It was originally commissioned by King George VI in 1938, who wanted to ensure the privacy of his daughters, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, who had been having swimming lessons at the Bath Club. Although the pool is often used by senior royals including Prince William and Kate, it can also be used by members of the Staff Sports Club, provided it doesn’t clash with one of the royals’ swims.
Prince William and Kate’s family swimming pool at Anmer Hall
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge reportedly have a swimming pool at their country retreat, Anmer Hall on the Sandringham Estate. The facility is ideal for the family to swim with their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – when they visit at weekends and in the holidays. They are also reportedly frequent visitors to the swimming pool at Buckingham Palace when they are in London, and it is where the children had swimming lessons when they were younger.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s outdoor pool in Montecito
An outdoor swimming pool is one of many highlights at Prince Harry and Meghan’s family home in Montecito, Santa Barbara. Previous listing photos taken before the family moved into the property in 2020 showed the pool lined with sun loungers, parasols and secluded by hedges. It leads up to their home via a set of stone stairs, and would be a great spot for Harry and Meghan to swim and splash about with their children Archie and Lilibet.
Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson’s swimming pool at Royal Lodge Windsor
Royal Lodge Windsor has been the official residence of Prince Andrew since 2004, and he has spent a reported £7.5million on renovating the property, with an indoor swimming pool among the additions he has reportedly made to the home. While the pool is yet to be seen, it is no doubt a hit with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, who could take their children Sienna and August to swim in the family pool.
Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla’s beautiful outdoor pool at Highgrove House
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have an outdoor swimming pool of their own to enjoy during their visits to their country home, Highgrove House. Beautifully positioned within the garden of the house, previous photos from when Prince William and Harry were young showed it lined with a white picket fence and colourful flowerbeds.
