13 rare photos of royals in swimwear: Prince William’s Speedos, Meghan Markle’s bikini, more

Before the Duchess of Sussex deactivated her private Instagram account, her social media feed was a sea of sun-soaked snaps as the former Suits actress chased sunnier climes. 

In one unearthed photo, Meghan rocked a crochet watermelon bikini, complete with a melon-red bralette and striped green bottoms.

Princess Charlene of Monaco forged a successful career as an Olympic swimmer before retiring in 2007, and it was how she came to meet her husband, Prince Albert in 2000. 

The South African-born royal has had a number of chic poolside moments, though our favourite is undoubtedly when she graced the cover of Sports Illustrated in a sporty Speedo one-piece while rocking platinum blonde hair.

The Prince and Princess of Wales released a video of themselves snorkelling and diving with 2021 Earthshot Prize Winner Coral Vita to better understand their project on farming and planting coral in the Bahamas.

Sporty Princess Kate showed off her athletic prowess in a cropped wetsuit. 

Zara Tindall enjoyed a romantic break in Iceland with her husband Mike earlier this year, and the royal couple braved an icy dip. 

Taking to Instagram to share a glimpse at their magical holiday, former England rugby player Mike shared a heartwarming montage of his romantic getaway with his wife. 

“Iceland, thank you!!! What a place!!!” penned the father-of-three in the caption of his video, which included the saying: “Life if short, world is wide, I wanna make some memories.”

Lady Amelia Spencer displayed her enviable swimsuit collection while on a dreamy wedding anniversary vacation in the Maldives with her love, Greg Mallett. 

Taking to Instagram to share postcards from their slice of heaven at The Conrad Hotel on Rangali Island, Princess Diana’s newlywed niece shared an influx of sun-soaked snaps from her idyllic holiday – including several wearing a chic mermaid-blue swimsuit. 

Princess Maria-Olympia of Greece‘s Instagram feed is an ode to summer, it seems. From strapless bikinis to high-rise swimsuits, the royal-turned-model is a total royal beach babe. 

Stripping down is just part of the I’m a Celebrity experience with many iconic moments coming from the show’s shower scenes and Mike Tindall was no exception when he hit the baths and surprised viewers by revealing his tiny swimming trunks.

Fans loved the moment as one said: “NOT THE BUDGIE SMUGGLERS MIKE,” and another commented: “It’s not every day you see ex-England rugby [player] and Princess Anne’s son-in-law, Mike Tindall in his speedos on national television, but first time for everything.”

Princess Diana had plenty of noteworthy fashion moments, including this one from 1993 when she holidayed in the Caribbean. 

The royal was seen in a bright-orange bikini as she enjoyed the waves and even took part in a bit of bodyboarding.

During his university days, Prince William was a keen water polo player, and was often seen in a pair of black speedos as he cheered on teammates before getting into the pool himself.

The late Queen, then known as Princess Elizabeth, took part in a Children’s Challenge Shield Competition that was held in 1939. Her Majesty, who wore a black one-piece and white swim-cap, even walked away from the event with an award in life-saving.

King Charles enjoyed a trip to Bondi Beach during a tour of Australia in his youth. Accompanied by his bodyguard, the former Prince of Wales had a pair of blue trunks and a huge smile on his face as he enjoyed the warm waters.

The late Princess Margaret looked amazing in this brightly-coloured one-piece as she enjoyed a holiday in Mustique back in 1976.