In a surprising turn of events, legendary British rock star Rod Stewart has declined an invitation from Prince Harry to join him and his family on a luxurious yacht vacation in the stunning waters off the coast of Sardinia. The 78-year-old singer, known for his iconic hits like “Maggie May” and “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?”, has opted to enjoy a sun-soaked getaway with his own blended family instead, including his wife Penny Lancaster and six of his eight children.
The invitation from the Royal family came as Prince Harry, his wife Meghan, and their two children Archie and Lilibet were spotted indulging in a lavish yacht trip around the picturesque Italian island. It’s reported that the Duke of Sussex personally reached out to Stewart, hoping the legendary musician would join them for at least a portion of their holiday. However, the “Forever Young” singer politely declined the offer, choosing to prioritize quality time with his own family during this well-deserved break.
A source close to Stewart revealed that while the singer has a deep respect for the Royal family, he was really looking forward to this getaway with his own crew. “Rod’s been working hard all year and was eager for some quiet time with the missus and the kids. The idea of hanging out with Harry and Meghan, as nice as they are, just didn’t appeal to him this time around.” Indeed, photos and videos circulating online show the Stewart clan basking in the Sardinian sun, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and indulging in al fresco meals prepared by the yacht’s private chef.
Penny Lancaster, Stewart’s wife of 16 years, has shared several snapshots on her Instagram account, capturing the family’s carefree and joyful holiday moments. “So grateful for this precious time together,” Lancaster captioned one post, showing her and Rod cuddled up on the yacht’s deck. In another image, the couple’s two young sons, Alistair (17) and Aiden (12), were seen playing a game of catch, their laughter echoing across the serene Mediterranean backdrop.
Stewart’s decision to skip out on the Royal yacht trip is somewhat surprising, given his long-standing relationship with the British Monarchy. The singer was knighted by Prince William in 2016 in recognition of his contributions to music and charity work, and he has also performed at several Royal events over the years, including Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebration in 2022. However, it seems Stewart is content to cherish this particular vacation with his own blended family, which includes four children from previous relationships: Kimberly (43), Shawn (42), Ruby (35), and Renee (30).
“The close-knit clan has been through ups and downs together, including Stewart’s battle with prostate cancer in 2019, which he has since overcome,” the source said. “Rod’s really made a point of prioritizing family time in recent years. He’s been through a lot both professionally and personally, and he knows how precious these moments are. He’s just happy to be soaking up the sun and making memories with the people he loves most.”
While Prince Harry and his family continue to enjoy their Sardinian yacht adventure, Stewart and his loved ones are making the most of their own sun-drenched getaway. Fans have been delighted to see the legendary rocker relaxing and spending quality time with his family, a testament to his enduring legacy as not just a musical icon, but a devoted family man as well.
“It’s so nice to see Rod and his family just living their best lives on that yacht,” one fan commented on Lancaster’s Instagram post. “He’s earned this time to kick back and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Good on him for putting family first.”
As the summer season winds down, it’s clear that both the Royal family and the Stewart clan are making the most of their respective vacations. While their paths didn’t cross this time around, it’s possible that future opportunities may arise for the two high-profile groups to join forces, whether it’s for a musical collaboration, a charitable initiative, or simply another sun-soaked adventure on the open seas. For now, however, Rod Stewart is content to savor his Sardinian escape with his beloved wife and children, cherishing the memories they’re making together and rejecting any distractions that might pull him away from this precious family time.