Long before they became the picture of royal duty, Prince William and Kate Middleton enjoyed a carefree holiday in Ibiza, indulging in late-night parties, glamorous yacht trips, and sun-drenched days on the Mediterranean. While it may now seem uncharacteristic of the ever-composed Prince and Princess of Wales, there was a time when the couple let loose on the famous party island.
The British press has recounted the details of this sun-soaked escape, revealing that William and Kate Middleton, along with a group of close friends, immersed themselves in Ibiza’s vibrant nightlife, with clubs like Pacha featuring prominently in their itinerary. It’s the kind of behaviour one might have expected from Prince Harry in his younger years, but less so from the future King and Queen Consort. And yet, it happened.
A different time for the Royal couple
The summer of 2006 was a different era for the then-24-year-olds. William and Kate were not yet engaged, had no royal obligations, and were still enjoying the freedom of their mid-twenties. Parenthood, official duties, and the heavy weight of monarchy were still far off in the future. Kate had yet to step into the public role she holds today, and William was still years away from the more reserved figure he has since become.
During that summer, the couple accepted an invitation from Kate’s uncle, Gary Goldsmith, to stay at his newly acquired Ibiza villa—a luxurious €4.3 million estate equipped with an infinity pool, tennis courts, and all the amenities needed for an extravagant summer retreat. Goldsmith, known for his wealth and flamboyant lifestyle, had made a fortune selling his business the year before and was revelling in his newfound riches. His lavish parties and extravagant gatherings soon earned his property the infamous nickname La Maison de Bang Bang—a reference to the wild celebrations that took place behind its doors.
The wild reputation of ‘Uncle G’
Goldsmith’s controversial reputation only added to the intrigue surrounding this royal holiday. The businessman, known in the Middleton family as ‘Uncle G’, had been involved in several scandals, including being caught on camera in 2009 allegedly using drugs and giving advice on hiring escorts. However, at the time of William and Kate’s visit, he was simply the generous relative offering them an exclusive taste of Ibiza’s luxurious side.
Though the parties hosted during their stay were reportedly more refined than Goldsmith’s usual gatherings, they were still an opportunity for William and Kate to experience the island’s famous nightlife. Royal biographer Katie Nicholl, in her book Kate: The Future Queen, describes the trip in detail, revealing that the couple even hosted their own gathering at the villa, transforming the grand property into a party haven for the night.
Nicholl also notes that Goldsmith arranged for a yacht excursion to nearby Formentera. Onboard, Kate and her sister Pippa, both clad in elegant white bikinis, soaked up the sun and took refreshing dips in the crystal-clear waters. It was the epitome of an idyllic Mediterranean escape.
William’s carefree moments and Kate Middleton’s disapproval
Despite the lavish setting, some moments from the holiday hinted at William’s youthful exuberance. Sources close to the couple later revealed that it was one of the few trips where the Prince truly let his guard down. In fact, he embraced the carefree atmosphere so wholeheartedly that Kate had to reprimand him at one point for recklessly racing a scooter outside the villa with a friend.
The details of the holiday might have remained a private memory for the couple had it not been for Goldsmith’s later scandals, which thrust their Ibiza getaway into the media spotlight. Reports emerged about William’s behaviour during the trip, including some crude comments attributed to him during a party at the villa—stories that, while largely unverified, added an element of controversy to what had been a seemingly glamorous summer escape.
The aftermath and cancelled plans
Initially, William and Kate had considered returning to La Maison de Bang Bang in 2009. However, after some of the details of their previous stay were leaked to the press, they decided against it. The attention on their private moments had become too much, and the prospect of another visit to Ibiza under the media’s gaze was no longer appealing.
Today, looking back at this period of their lives, it’s clear that this trip was a rare moment of freedom before the responsibilities of royal life took over. Now parents of three and firmly established as the Prince and Princess of Wales, it is difficult to imagine them reliving such a holiday. Their days of partying in Ibiza are long behind them, replaced by state visits, charity work, and the ever-present scrutiny that comes with their roles.
Nonetheless, their 2006 holiday serves as a reminder that even royals have moments of youthful indulgence. Before they were the polished figures representing the British monarchy, William and Kate were just a young couple enjoying a sun-kissed adventure in one of the world’s most famous party destinations.
