With Spain's unemployment rate at more than 27%, the country's royal family has decided to give up their $27 million luxury yacht in an act of solidarity with their struggling citizens. The yacht, called "Fortuna", has hosted dignitaries from around the world. Here, Prince Felipe of Spain is pictured sailing the "Aifos" yacht during the 31st Copa del Rey Regatta in Palma de Mallorca last year.
Spanish sacrifice —
With Spain's unemployment rate at more than 27%, the country's royal family has decided to give up their $27 million luxury yacht in an act of solidarity with their struggling citizens. The yacht, called "Fortuna", has hosted dignitaries from around the world. Here, Prince Felipe of Spain is pictured sailing the "Aifos" yacht during the 31st Copa del Rey Regatta in Palma de Mallorca last year.
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Two of those foreign dignitaries to jump aboard the Spanish royal family's yacht were Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1990. But the British royals weren't without their own luxury vessel. Here, the pair are pictured celebrating their honeymoon on "Her Majesty's Yacht (HMY) Britannia" in 1981.
Rule Britannia —
Two of those foreign dignitaries to jump aboard the Spanish royal family's yacht were Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1990. But the British royals weren't without their own luxury vessel. Here, the pair are pictured celebrating their honeymoon on "Her Majesty's Yacht (HMY) Britannia" in 1981.
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There are probably few finer examples of a regal leisure boat than "Her Majesty's Yacht (HMY) Britannia," (pictured) commissioned in 1953 for Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. Once described by Her Majesty as "the one place where I can truly relax," the royal vessel was built to many of the queen's specifications.
Queen's pride —
There are probably few finer examples of a regal leisure boat than "Her Majesty's Yacht (HMY) Britannia," (pictured) commissioned in 1953 for Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. Once described by Her Majesty as "the one place where I can truly relax," the royal vessel was built to many of the queen's specifications.
The royal barge, "the Spirit of Chartwell," was the last in a long line of 83 British royal yachts, dating back to 1660. Today, she is a tourist attraction which played a starring role in the Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, including appearances from Prince Harry, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William.
Long live the royal yacht? —
The royal barge, "the Spirit of Chartwell," was the last in a long line of 83 British royal yachts, dating back to 1660. Today, she is a tourist attraction which played a starring role in the Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, including appearances from Prince Harry, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William.
Four royal honeymoons have taken place on the "HMY Britannia", but Queen Elizabeth II's granddaughter Zara Phillips (pictured) was instead happy to soak up the sunshine on board during a pre-wedding bash to Rugby player Mike Tindall in 2011.
Sea style —
Four royal honeymoons have taken place on the "HMY Britannia", but Queen Elizabeth II's granddaughter Zara Phillips (pictured) was instead happy to soak up the sunshine on board during a pre-wedding bash to Rugby player Mike Tindall in 2011.
Jeff Mitchell/Getty Images/File
For decades, the Britannia was an integral part of royal transportation. Here, a crowd bids farewell to the yacht as she transports Prince Charles and Princess Anne to Tobruk, to join their parents on the last stage of the Commonwealth Tour in 1954.
Ship-shape —
For decades, the Britannia was an integral part of royal transportation. Here, a crowd bids farewell to the yacht as she transports Prince Charles and Princess Anne to Tobruk, to join their parents on the last stage of the Commonwealth Tour in 1954.
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When American screen star Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956, newspapers were filled with images of the glamorous couple honeymooning on board their 44-meter yacht -- given to them by Greek shipping merchant Aristotle Onassis. The boat was named M/Y Grace, after her highness.
Grimaldi glamour —
When American screen star Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956, newspapers were filled with images of the glamorous couple honeymooning on board their 44-meter yacht -- given to them by Greek shipping merchant Aristotle Onassis. The boat was named M/Y Grace, after her highness.
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Prince Albert II of Monaco has continued his father's love of yachts. Though these days they come a lot bigger, with the nation state playing host to the annual Monaco yacht show -- featuring the biggest superyachts in the world.
Albert aboard —
Prince Albert II of Monaco has continued his father's love of yachts. Though these days they come a lot bigger, with the nation state playing host to the annual Monaco yacht show -- featuring the biggest superyachts in the world.
Valery Hache/Getty Images/File
The Danish royal family still enjoy summer holidays aboard their enormous 78-meter yacht Dannebrog, with Prince Frederik, Princess Mary and their children Prince Christian and Princess Isabella of Denmark pictured here in their finest nautical attire.
Long live the royal yacht? —
The Danish royal family still enjoy summer holidays aboard their enormous 78-meter yacht Dannebrog, with Prince Frederik, Princess Mary and their children Prince Christian and Princess Isabella of Denmark pictured here in their finest nautical attire.
Niels Henrik Dam/Getty Images/File
Commissioned in 1932, the Dannebrog (pictured carrying Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik) has traveled more than 400,000 nautical miles and also carries out search and rescue operations, when at sea.
Great Dane —
Commissioned in 1932, the Dannebrog (pictured carrying Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik) has traveled more than 400,000 nautical miles and also carries out search and rescue operations, when at sea.
Palle Hedemann/Getty Images/File
The Spanish royal family may feel under pressure to give up their ship, but in Norway it's the people who buy the luxury boats for their royals. In 1947, the Norwegian people purchased K/S Norge as a 75th birthday present for their beloved King Haakon VII. Today it is still used by royal family members including Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit (pictured).
People's present —
The Spanish royal family may feel under pressure to give up their ship, but in Norway it's the people who buy the luxury boats for their royals. In 1947, the Norwegian people purchased K/S Norge as a 75th birthday present for their beloved King Haakon VII. Today it is still used by royal family members including Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit (pictured).
Anthony Harvey/Getty Images/File
The United Arab Emirates' Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem is the proud owner of the world's second-largest yacht -- somewhat unimaginatively named "Dubai". Here, he speaks with King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands aboard his $300 million luxury vessel.
Long live the royal yacht? —
The United Arab Emirates' Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem is the proud owner of the world's second-largest yacht -- somewhat unimaginatively named "Dubai". Here, he speaks with King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands aboard his $300 million luxury vessel.
Robin Utrecht/Getty Images/File