Rover (yacht)

Rover is the name of a series of yachts owned by members of the British Royal Family, most notably the yachts owned by King Charles II and, later, Queen Elizabeth II when she was Princess Elizabeth.

The first notable Rover was a 25-ton yacht acquired by Charles II after his restoration to the throne in 1660. This vessel played a significant role in his personal life and naval affairs, becoming closely associated with his reign. It was considered a fast and luxurious vessel for its time, symbolizing his return to power and interest in maritime affairs.

Centuries later, the name Rover was revived when Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth II, and her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, acquired a smaller, privately owned yacht of the same name. This Rover was a cruising yacht, used primarily for leisure and sailing expeditions, often during their time stationed in Malta in the late 1940s and early 1950s. This Rover was significantly less grand than its 17th-century predecessor, reflecting the more informal lifestyle of the young royal couple before Elizabeth's accession to the throne. The yacht represented a period of relative normalcy and personal enjoyment before the responsibilities of the monarchy fully consumed their lives.