Prince William and Princess Catherine were gifted Anmer Hall, their Norfolk country house, as a wedding present, but when they first received it, they were shocked to learn something unexpected about the property: it is rumoured to be haunted.
The couple, who live in Windsor at Forest Lodge, often visit Anmer Hall, which was built in 1802 and is part of King Charles's Sandringham estate. The Waleses frequently take their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, there for school holidays.
A Spooky Warning Before Moving In
Paranormal historian Richard Felix told Hello! magazine's "A Right Royal Podcast" that after the property was gifted to Prince William and Princess Catherine, they learned about its spooky past. Felix said: "Before the Waleses moved in, they were warned about the ghost."
He added that the spirit "of a Catholic priest that lived there and was hanged, drawn and quartered for high treason" is rumoured to haunt the house. "Although he was executed in York, they've actually heard his voice," Felix said. "And they have seen the ghost of what they say is a priest, wandering around Anmer Hall."
A Witty Response from the Prince
The historian said Prince William had a funny reaction to hearing about the ghost. He reportedly said: "No old hall would be complete without a ghost, would it?"
According to Town and Country, Prince William and Prince Harry visited the property in their childhood, as Prince Charles's friend Hugh Van Custem Sr. resided with his family at Anmer Hall for 10 years. Prince William has remained close with Van Custem Sr.'s sons, making William Van Custem Prince George's godfather and Nicholas Van Custem Prince Louis' godfather.
Renovations and Family Time
When Prince William and Princess Catherine received the property, over $2 million (around £1.4 million) was spent on revamping its interior and grounds. The property is now said to have a more modern layout, with the kitchen serving as the home's centre.
Despite living in Windsor, the family still finds time to visit Anmer Hall. Following the birth of Prince Louis in 2018, the Waleses took the children up to Anmer Hall for some family time together.
