15 July 2023 , 16:08
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Prince William inherited hundreds of Islands off the Cornish coast after he acquired his new title as the Prince of Wales.
When King Charles gave his son the new title of the Prince of Wales last year, he also received the 130,000-acre Duchy of Cornwall, which includes the isles of Scilly, making him the biggest private land-owner in Britain.
The 41-year-old has a £1.2 billion holding across 23 counties, including the Scilly Islands, which encompass almost a third of homes on the five isles of St Mary's, Tresco, St Martin's, St Agnes and Bryher.
Described as "outstandingly beautiful, uncrowded and unspoiled" on the official tourist board website, the Isles of Scilly are located not far off the coast of Cornwall, and are around one hour away from southwest England by plane.
The islands feature one 17th-century fort known as Cromwell's Castle. (Future via Getty Images)The “archipelago”, an extensive stretch of islands, beaches feature white sands and crystal clear waters.
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The mirror’s Peter Fenton said: “You cannot get further away from the hustle and bustle of modern life than the Isles of Scilly.”
The isles can be reached by the Scillonian III ferry which takes around three hours to cross the waters from Penzance - or by helicopter.
Prince William and the Princess of Wales leave Tresco on 'Pegasus' during a visit to Cornwall. (GC Images)Those wanting to fly can get a helicopter from Penzance to the islands of St Mary’s or Tresco in roughly 15 minutes.
Alternatively, flying by plane will take you to St Mary's, which is the largest of the islands (though still tiny at just three miles long and one mile wide).
From there, boats can ferry you to the other islands, which have only around 5,000 tourist beds in total, and so never seem crowded.
Prince William used to holiday to Tresco as a boy where he was pictured during a trip there in 1989 with Princess Diana, Prince Charles, and his brother Prince Harry.
Prince William visited the isles of Scilly as children, cycling around Tresco during their holidays. (PA)Since then, he has returned with his wife Kate, and their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
In 2016, William and Kate took a short trip to Tresco, prompting the prince to pledge he would return soon.
(Getty Images)The islands also boast flora and fauna you would not typically find in Britain, within its famous botanical gardens.
When the Spanish Armada’s attempted invasion was repelled in 1588, Queen Elizabeth built a fortified garrison on Scilly’s main island, St Mary’s, in case of a second attempt.
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The fortified castle, in the shape of an eight-pointed star, still stands guard over the harbour of Hugh Town, St Mary’s - though today it is a hotel.
The Star Castle features thick granite walls, ancient beamed ceilings and dungeon bar.
With around only 5,000 tourist beds, the islands are un-crowded, have little traffic and miles of pristine beaches.