The Prince and Princess of Wales have revealed an unusual aspect of their domestic life: they do not sleep in an upstairs bedroom like most couples. Floor plans of their former home, Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace, show the principal bedroom is located on the ground floor.
Apartment 1A, previously the residence of Princess Margaret, features 20 rooms across four floors, along with its own lift, gym, and nine staff quarters. The late royal author Christopher Warwick explained that the term 'apartment' refers to separate houses within the palace, akin to red brick terrace houses.
The couple, who have faced a difficult period following the Princess's cancer diagnosis and King Charles's health issues, have access to multiple homes. They recently moved to Forest Hall in Windsor, an eight-bedroom property, after residing at Adelaide Cottage, a more humble home also in Windsor.
Adelaide Cottage, built in 1831 for Queen Adelaide, has a vibrant history. It was a favourite retreat of Queen Victoria and later home to Group Captain Peter Townsend, who had a controversial romance with Princess Margaret. The cottage underwent extensive renovation in 2015 and features opulent details, including a master bedroom ceiling adorned with gilded dolphins.
