When the clock struck midnight on 1 January 2025, people around the world chose to ring in the new year with dozens of different traditions.
While some ate grapes on each chime of the clock and others broke out into verses of Auld Lang Syne, the darlings of European high society were enjoying their own tradition; enjoying a lavish holiday far from home.
From ski resorts to sunny getaways in the southern hemisphere, so-called ‘swans’ were enjoying a luxurious start to 2025 as they popped champagne and danced the night away against stunning backdrops.
Leading the pack was Princess Maria Carolina Di Bourbon-Two Sicilies, 21, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Castro.
Taking to Instagram, she shared photos of her ski break in St Moritz Corviglia where she declared she wanted to see out 2024 ‘in the snow’.
It was a new year destination echoed by Lady Eliza Manners, who is known to favour the French Alps for skiing and who posted photos of herself having a new year picnic on the slopes.
Meanwhile, the likes of the Spencer sisters and Mary Charteris have jetted off to the southern hemisphere to ring in 2025 in the sunshine.
Here, FEMAIL reveals how the most exclusive members of society have celebrated the beginning of the new year…
Princess Maria Carolina of Bourbon-Two Sicilies
Princess Maria Carolina Di Bourbon-Two Sicilies posted a snap of herself skiing in Switzerland
The socialite looked stunning in an all-white outfit as she posed by the scenic mountains in St. Moritz
Princess Maria Carolina, 21 posted snaps of herself leaning on a balcony overlooking scenic views of the beautiful mountains.
She wore her golden tresses down in a wavy blow-dry and donned an all-white outfit consisting of a belted coat and cream trousers.
She accessorised her stylish look with oversized black sunglasses and published images of herself taking to the slopes in full ski gear on the lavish trip.
Exclusive and expensive St. Moritz is usually top of the list for the ultra-rich and famous when it comes to ski-breaks.
Lady Eliza Manners
Elsewhere, Lady Eliza Manners, 27, has also been bringing in the new year on the slopes
Lady Eliza Manners took photos of a picnic bench set-up overlooking the snowy mountains on New Year’s Day
Lady Eliza Manners also shared a snap of the outside of a cosy ski chalet on Instagram
Elsewhere, Lady Eliza Manners, 27, has also been bringing in the new year on the slopes.
The socialite took photos of a picnic bench set-up overlooking the snowy mountains on New Year’s Day, whereas another showed the outside of a cosy ski chalet.
It is unknown where exactly Eliza is skiing, but both her and her sister Alice are thought to have travelled to the French Alps in previous years.
The Spencer sisters
Lady Eliza Spencer is pictured with her long-term partner Channing Millerd in Cape Town
The trio of Spencer sisters soaked up the rays by the beach and enjoyed a private pool
Lady Amelia Spencer, 32, Lady Kitty Spencer, 34, and Lady Eliza Spencer, 32, spent their New Year’s Day soaking up the sun in South Africa.
Kitty recently celebrated her birthday on December 28 alongside her sisters in Clifton, Cape Town.
Amelia Spencer shared of herself during golden hour alongside her twin Eliza and their rarely seen mother, Victoria Aitken, 59.
Eliza donned a flowy blue and white Greek inspired dress, whereas Amelia wore a red floral patterned cut-out frock.
Victoria decided on a stylish leopard print gown and looked in high spirits as she posed in-between her daughters in front of a stunning sunset.
Lady Amelia Spencer, 32, (right) Lady Kitty Spencer, 34, (centre) and Lady Eliza Spencer, 32, (left) spent their New Year’s Day in the sun in South Africa
Eliza also opted for a Baywatch-inspired cherry-red scoop neck swimsuit as she sunbathed on a sandy beach
Eliza shared a picture of herself and Amelia with older sister Kitty, who wore a colourful jumpsuit for the occasion.
She wrote: ‘Going into 2025 with a full heart,’ alongside sharing videos of their private pool and images of herself at the De Meye vineyard.
The De Meye estate has been farmed by the Myburgh family for five generations and they are in one of South Africa’s most prestigious regions for winemaking.
The vineyard produces Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz, along with Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc.
The images shows the Spencer trio laughing as they attempted to pose for a picture while embracing each other in the sunshine.
Eliza also opted for a Baywatch-inspired cherry-red scoop neck swimsuit as she sunbathed on a sandy beach.
Kitty, 34, posted a video full of highlights over the year and wrote: ‘Thank you, 2024. Feeling huge gratitude for a year of health, happiness, travel and laughter but most importantly motherhood., love and plenty of family time. Wishing everyone a wonderful 2025.’
Amelia also shared the images, writing the caption: ‘Family. Celebrating you @Kitty Spencer.’
The three Spencer sisters looked in high spirits as they walked around the De Meye vineyard
Eliza Spencer shared of herself during golden hour alongside her twin Amelia and their rarely seen mother, Victoria Aitken, 59
Cape Town holds a special place in Kitty’s heart, as she was raised in South Africa with her siblings and attended Reddam House school in Cape Town.
When her parents divorced, she began splitting her time between South Africa and the UK, where she stayed at Althrop, the family’s seat in West Northamptonshire.
She married Michael Lewis, 66, in 2021, who was also born and raised in South Africa.
Amelia, who is the first cousin of Princes William and Harry, also met her real estate beau Greg Mallett while they were both studying at the University of Cape Town.
Lady Mary Charteris
Lady Mary Charteris, 37, also chose a hot holiday and decided to jet off to the Maldives with her family to see in the New Year. Above: Pictured with daughter, Wilde Jessie Furze
Lady Mary shared a video of the rainfall on the beach in Malé and said: ‘Really not loving the Maldives right now.’
The weather in the Maldives is known for changing quickly based on the geography of the country
Lady Mary Charteris, 37, also chose a hot holiday and decided to jet off to the Maldives with her family to see in the New Year.
She is the youngest child and only daughter of James Charteris and his first wife Catherine, who is the daughter of Guinness heir Jonathan Guinness, 3rd Baron Moyne.
However, she wasn’t greeted with the best weather in Malé, as it is due to rain all week while being 27 degrees.
Mary shared a picture of the forecast and wrote: ‘Take me back to England.’
She also shared a video of the rainfall on the beach and said: ‘Really not loving the Maldives right now.’
The weather in the Maldives is known for changing quickly based on the geography of the country.
It also experiences two monsoon seasons, which typically range between May to November but there have been some instances where it has experienced unexpected rain.
Lady Amelia Windsor
Lady Amelia Windsor decided to celebrate the start of 2025 in London, despite the cold and windy weather
Lady Amelia Windsor also posted an image of herself stood in front of a festive building in a casual outfit consisting of a green puffer coat and light wash denim jeans
Lady Amelia Windsor decided to celebrate the start of 2025 in London, despite the cold and windy weather.
She is the granddaughter of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, who is a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth.
The 29-year-old is the youngest child of George Windsor, Earl of St Andrews, and Sylvana Tomaselli.
She resides in a flat located in Notting Hill, one of London’s most prestigious postcodes.
Amelia posted an image of the back of her head, showing off a red velvet bow which she tied to her short blonde bob.
She stood in front of a wooden oak door with a green leafy wreath on the front.
The socialite also posted an image of herself stood in front of a festive building in a casual outfit consisting of a green puffer coat and light wash denim jeans.
Educated at the exclusive St. Mary’s School Ascot, where boarders pay more than £45,000 a year, she went on to study Italian and French at the University of Edinburgh.
Once named the most beautiful royal by Tatler magazine, Amelia has been signed with Storm management since 2016 and has modelled for brands including Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana.
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