The Duke of Sussex reportedly took Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to Tanera Mor, a secluded Scottish island owned by billionaire hedge fund manager Ian Wace, according to reporting by The Express. The private visit to the 800-acre island in the Summer Isles off Scotland’s west coast occurred earlier this month, taking place before the family had visited Balmoral, the Royal Family’s private Scottish estate that Harry once described as “simply paradise.”
Inside Tanera Mor: The Billionaire-Owned Island Retreat
Tanera Mor provides a remote getaway with a distinct cinematic and philanthropic history. According to The Daily Mail, the island is said to have inspired the 1973 cult film The Wicker Man, which starred Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee, and Britt Ekland. Ian Wace, co-founder of the hedge fund firm Marshall Wace, purchased the property in 2017 for £1.7 million. At the time of the purchase, the island had a resident population of just five people alongside numerous dilapidated crofters’ cottages.
Did you know? Since acquiring Tanera Mor in 2017, billionaire Ian Wace has invested approximately £100 million into the property. The extensive restoration project includes planting 100,000 trees, repairing 12 properties, constructing three miles of roads, and reviving traditional activities like beekeeping.
A key feature aligning with the Sussex family’s philanthropic interests is the island’s connection to the Taigh Mor Foundation. The charity supports the wellbeing of individuals working in the armed forces and emergency services. By last year, more than half of the 1,000 guests hosted on Tanera Mor had ties to the foundation, participating in practical tasks such as restoring buildings, harvesting seaweed, fishing for mackerel, and working in kitchens and gardens.
Philanthropic Ties and Broader UK Itinerary
The property’s owner, Ian Wace, has maintained connections with Prince Harry and Prince William for years. Wace’s former wife, Saffron Aldridge, developed a friendship with Meghan after the Duchess moved to Britain. In 2019, Saffron and Wace attended a Cirque du Soleil performance at the Royal Albert Hall alongside Harry and Meghan. Although Wace and Saffron separated in 2023 and have since divorced, they remain friends, according to The Express.
The Scottish island retreat formed part of a wider UK itinerary for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Before traveling to Scotland, the family stayed in Northamptonshire with Earl and Countess Spencer at Althorp, the Spencer family’s ancestral home. During that portion of the trip, they laid flowers at the grave of Harry’s mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. Their UK travels also included tea with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire.
Representatives for both parties maintained privacy regarding the travel arrangements. A spokesman for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stated to the press, “This is not something we would comment on.” A spokesman for Ian Wace similarly declined to comment on the visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tanera Mor located?
Tanera Mor is an 800-acre private island located in the Summer Isles off the west coast of Scotland.
Who owns Tanera Mor?
The island is owned by billionaire hedge fund manager Ian Wace, who co-founded Marshall Wace and purchased the property in 2017.
What charity operates on the island?
The Taigh Mor Foundation uses the island to support the wellbeing of personnel from the armed forces and emergency services through hands-on outdoor and community activities.
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