Princess Diana often travelled the world, both for royal duties and to escape the spotlight.
But one place she loved for a private family getaway was Necker Island, a luxury retreat in the British Virgin Islands owned by billionaire Richard Branson.
The Virgin Group founder invited Princess Diana to stay on his 74-acre private island, offering the Princess and her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, a rare chance to relax away from public attention.
Princess Diana’s trip to Necker Island in the 1990s gave her and her children time away from the pressures of royal life.
Travel expert Simon Calder, speaking in the Channel 5 documentary The Royals on Holiday, said Branson’s island was perfect for anyone looking for complete privacy.
“He can deliver great security, marvellous privacy, and you'll have a lovely relaxing time in your own villa, which is going to cost roughly £4,000 or £5,000 a night,” Calder explained. “And you get your own butler.”
Despite the luxury setting, Princess Diana spent most of her time like many mother would - playing with her children on the beach.
Photographs from the trip show Prince William and Prince Harry building sandcastles and splashing in the sea, enjoying a simple family holiday far from palace life.
Journalist Carole Malone said Branson, who has long been fascinated by the royals, was more than happy to host them.
“Diana loved Necker, and Richard Branson was as fascinated by the royals as anyone else,” she said.
“Luckily for him, he had an island he could invite them to and an airline he could fly them there on.”
To this day, Necker Island is one of the most exclusive private islands in the world.
Branson, whose net worth is estimated at £2.4 billion, bought it in 1978 for just £143,000 ($180,000).
At the time, the island was completely uninhabited, but he agreed to develop a resort within four years as part of the deal.
It took three years and £7.9 million ($10 million) to transform Necker into a luxury retreat.
Today, the island accommodates up to 48 guests across 24 rooms, including the Great House and private Balinese-style villas.
The entire island can be rented for £80,700 ($102,500) per night, which includes two private beaches, a personal chef and full team of staff, tennis courts and yoga sessions, and a range of watersports, including kite surfing and paddleboarding.
Over the years, Necker Island has hosted celebrities and world leaders, including Barack Obama, Kim Kardashian, Mariah Carey, and Kate Winslet.
It has also been used for high-profile weddings and luxury events.
Necker Island is part of the British Virgin Islands, an area known for its turquoise waters, coral reefs, and wildlife.
Even though Necker is privately owned, British Virgin Islands law states that all beaches up to the high-water mark remain public, meaning visitors can access them by boat.
Before Branson bought it, Necker Island had no permanent residents and was mostly untouched.
It was named after Dutch commander Jonathan de Neckere, but was never developed until Branson turned it into one of the most famous private retreats in the world.
The island is also designed for families, with activities like treasure hunts, animal feeding experiences, and water adventures.
Branson wanted it to be a place where both adults and children could enjoy a fun, relaxing escape.
And for Princess Diana, Necker Island wasn’t about luxury - it was about spending time with her sons, away from the public eye.
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