Catherine, Princess of Wales keen on New Zealand trip with kids

Catherine, Princess of Wales, wants to bring her children to Australia and New Zealand.

The 43-year-old royal and her husband Prince William embarked on a tour downunder more than 10 years ago along with their eldest child, George, who was just 8 months old at the time.

Now she’s keen to bring her the whole brood (Prince George, now 11; Princess Charlotte, 9; and 6-year-old Prince Louis) here again, now that they’re old enough to remember the trip.

Catherine paid a visit to the Irish Guards – of which she is Colonel – in honour of St Patrick’s Day on Monday (March 17, 2025) and while chatting to the soldiers and their families, she revealed her hopes for family travel.

According to Britain’s HELLO! magazine, she told Corporal Adam Hamilton, an Australian reservist: “George finds it fascinating that he has been to Australia and New Zealand.

“I would like to go back there with them now. It’s finding time to do that. But I love to travel – yes, it’s a long flight. But I love the Middle East because that’s familiar to me [from] growing up. There are so many opportunities now to travel, I think it’s brilliant to experience it.”

The princess explained it is key to be able to balance “a bit of work” with the children’s needs and a desire to explore the countries when she and William make such trips.

She added: “We tend to go further afield when it’s official visits, it’s being able to carve out time to experience these countries in a more private capacity.

“Because otherwise you end up seeing lots of insides of amazing buildings, but you don’t get to meet that many people.

“It’s making sure that you can combine a bit of work with the children. I might see you down there!”

Catherine, who put money behind the bar for the troops and sipped a half pint of Guinness, revealed she and her family appreciate having more “green space” since leaving London for Windsor.

Asked where they live, she said: “We are in Windsor at the moment. We were in London but moved there for more green space. It’s close enough to London, not too far away.”

William has caused a stir in recent months with his new beard, but his wife admitted she isn’t sure how long he will keep it.

She said: “These trends come and go. I was saying to my husband, I’m not sure how long he’s going to keep his for.”

Catherine took over as Colonel of the Irish Guards from Prince William following a reshuffle in 2022 after King Charles took the throne, and Monday marked the first St Patrick’s Day parade she has carried out without her husband.

The princess – who missed the celebrations last year after being diagnosed with cancer – took the salute during a march-past and presented traditional sprigs of shamrock to officers and guardsmen, after earlier awarding long service and good conduct medals in a private ceremony.

- Bang! Showbiz and republished with permission.