The Real Story Behind Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Secret Scotland Getaway Revealed
The Sussexes' quiet island escape traces back to a billionaire tycoon with long-standing ties to the royal family.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly enjoyed a quiet family getaway to one of Scotland's most secluded private islands after spending time with the royal family in the UK. The low-key holiday, which was kept out of the spotlight, is said to have taken place on Tanera Mòr, a remote island owned by billionaire hedge fund manager Ian Wace. The trip has now come to light, offering a glimpse into how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex spent time with their children during their recent European travels.
According to reports from the Daily Mail, Harry and Markle visited Tanera Mòr earlier this month with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. They visited the island after staying at Althorp House, the Spencer family's ancestral estate in Northamptonshire, where they paid tribute to Harry's late mother, Princess Diana, by laying flowers at her grave. Well, soon after their vacation, Markle shared pictures from different locations on her social media account, and now we have all the details of the island that links it all to a wealthy tycoon.
Tanera Mòr, the largest of Scotland's Summer Isles, has been owned by billionaire Wace since 2017. Wace, the co-founder of hedge fund giant Marshall Wace, bought the island for about $2 million and has since invested around $134 million into restoring it. The renovation work included planting 100,000 trees, renovating historic cottages and building several miles of roads across the 800-acre island.
Harry is believed to have visited Tanera Mòr before and has reportedly known Wace for years. The billionaire has also shared a long friendship with Prince William. Wace's former wife, ex-model Saffron Aldridge, was also said to have become close to Markle after the actress moved to Britain ahead of her royal wedding. The island is also known for the Taigh Mor Foundation, a charity that supports the wellbeing of people serving in the armed forces and emergency services. Guests take part in practical activities such as restoring buildings, fishing, gardening and harvesting seaweed as part of the foundation's programs.
As per the outlet, the island is where Harry spent a few days after returning to Britain for Invictus Games events marking one year until the next competition. Markle, Archie and Lilibet later joined him for a visit to King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire. Reports suggested it was the first time the family had spent time together in four years. So, what gave away the location?
Fans also noticed what appeared to be hints of the trip to Scotland in photos Markle later shared on social media. Alongside images from Althorp and the family's holiday in Portugal, one picture showed a peaceful lake, leading many to speculate it had been taken during their stay on Tanera Mòr.
