As the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2025, people around the world chose to ring in the new year with dozens of different traditions.
While some ate grapes with each strike of the clock and others burst into verses from Auld Lang Syne, the favorites of European high society enjoyed their own tradition; enjoying a luxurious vacation away from home.
From ski resorts to sunny getaways in the southern hemisphere, the so-called “swans” enjoyed a luxurious start to 2025 as they popped champagne and danced the night away against stunning backdrops.
At the head of the group was Princess María Carolina Di Borbón-Dos Sicilias, 21 years old, daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Castro.
On Instagram, he shared photos from his ski holiday in St Moritz Corviglia, where he declared that he wanted to see 2024 “in the snow.”
It was a New Year’s destination echoed by Lady Eliza Manners, known for preferring the French Alps for skiing and who posted photos of herself having a New Year’s picnic on the slopes.
Meanwhile, people like sisters Spencer and Mary Charteris have jetted off to the southern hemisphere to welcome 2025 under the sun.
Here, FEMAIL reveals how society’s most exclusive members have celebrated the start of the new year…
Princess María Carolina de Borbón-Two Sicilies
Princess María Carolina Di Borbón-Dos Sicilias published a photo of her skiing in Switzerland
The socialite looked stunning in an all-white outfit as she posed alongside the picturesque mountains of St. Moritz.
Princess Maria Carolina, 21, posted photos of herself leaning on a balcony with panoramic views of the beautiful mountains.
She wore her golden locks in a wavy blow-dry and donned an all-white ensemble consisting of a belted coat and cream-colored pants.
She completed her stylish look with oversized black sunglasses and posted images of herself hitting the slopes in full ski gear on the luxurious trip.
Exclusive and expensive St. Moritz often tops the list of the ultra-rich and famous when it comes to ski breaks.
Lady Eliza’s Manners
On the other hand, Lady Eliza Manners, 27, also welcomes the new year on the slopes.
Lady Eliza Manners took photographs of a picnic bench overlooking the snowy mountains on New Year’s Day
Lady Eliza Manners also shared a snap of the outside of a cozy ski chalet on Instagram.
On the other hand, Lady Eliza Manners, 27, has also welcomed the new year on the slopes.
The socialite snapped photos of a picnic bench overlooking snowy mountains on New Year’s Day, while another showed the exterior of a cozy ski chalet.
It is unknown where exactly Eliza skis, but it is believed that both she and her sister Alice traveled 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 sunbathed on the beach and enjoyed a private pool.
Lady Amelia Spencer, 32, Lady Kitty Spencer, 34, and Lady Eliza Spencer, 32, spent New Year’s Day soaking up the sun in South Africa.
Kitty recently celebrated her birthday on December 28 with her sisters in Clifton, Cape Town.
Amelia Spencer shared herself during the golden hour with her twin Eliza and her rare mother, Victoria Aitken, 59.
Eliza donned a flowy blue and white Greek-inspired dress, while Amelia wore a red floral-print dress.
Victoria opted for an elegant leopard-print dress and looked in high spirits as she posed among her daughters in front of a stunning sunset.
Lady Amelia Spencer, 32 (right), Lady Kitty Spencer, 34 (center), and Lady Eliza Spencer, 32 (left), spent 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 photo of her and Amelia with her older sister Kitty, who wore a colorful jumpsuit for the occasion.
She wrote: “Entering 2025 with a full heart,” as well as sharing videos of her 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 is located in one of South Africa’s most prestigious wine regions.
The vineyard produces Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz, as well as Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc.
The pictures show the Spencer trio laughing as they attempted to pose for a photo while cuddling in the sun.
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 from the year, writing: “Thank you, 2024. I feel enormous gratitude for a year of health, happiness, travel and laughter, but most importantly motherhood, love and lots of time in family. Wishing you all 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 through the De Meye vineyard.
Eliza Spencer shared herself during the golden hour with her twin Amelia and her rare mother, Victoria Aitken, 59.
Cape Town holds a special place in Kitty’s heart as she grew up in South Africa with her siblings and attended Reddam House School in Cape Town.
When her parents divorced, she began dividing her time between South Africa and the United Kingdom, where she remained in Althrop, the family seat in West Northamptonshire.
She married Michael Lewis, 66, in 2021, who was also born and raised in South Africa.
Amelia, first cousin of Princes William and Harry, also met her real estate boyfriend Greg Mallett while they were both studying at the University of Cape Town.
Mrs. Maria Charteris
Lady Mary Charteris, 37, also chose a hot holiday and decided to fly to the Maldives with her family to ring in the New Year. Above: Pictured with his daughter, Wilde Jessie Furze.
Lady Mary shared a video of the rain on Malé beach and said: “I don’t really like the Maldives right now.”
The weather in the Maldives is known for changing rapidly depending on the geography of the country.
Lady Mary Charteris, 37, also chose a hot holiday and decided to fly to the Maldives with her family to ring in the New Year.
She is the youngest and only child of James Charteris and his first wife Catherine, who is the daughter of the Guinness heir, Jonathan Guinness, 3rd Baron Moyne.
However, it was not greeted with the best weather in Malé, as it will rain all week with a temperature of 27 degrees.
Mary shared an image of the forecast and wrote: “Take me back to England.”
She also shared a video of the rain on the beach and said, “I don’t really like the Maldives right now.”
The weather in the Maldives is known for changing rapidly depending on the geography of the country.
It also experiences two monsoon seasons, which typically range from May to November, but there have been a few cases 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 standing in front of a festive building in a casual outfit consisting of a green quilted 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 granddaughter of Prince EdwardDuke of Kent, first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth.
The 29-year-old is the youngest son of George Windsor, Earl of St Andrews, and Sylvana Tomaselli.
He resides in an apartment located in Notting Hill, one of the most prestigious postal codes in London.
Amelia posted a picture of the back of her head, showing off a red velvet bow that she tied to her short blonde bob.
She was standing in front of an oak wooden door with a wreath of green leaves on the front.
The socialite also posted an image of herself standing 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 studied Italian and French at Edinburgh University.
Once named the most beautiful royal by Tatler magazine, Amelia has been signed to Storm Management since 2016 and has modeled for brands such as Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana.