The Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince William and Kate Middleton, are famously private about their domestic life, but intriguing details have emerged regarding their previous living setup at Kensington Palace. A floor plan of their former residence, Apartment 1A, reveals an unconventional aspect: their main bedroom was situated on the ground floor, rather than upstairs as is customary for most couples.
Inside the Royal Apartment
Apartment 1A, which once belonged to Princess Margaret, is a substantial property spanning four floors and comprising 20 rooms. It includes amenities such as a private lift, a gym, and nine staff quarters. Despite its grand scale, the term "apartment" can be misleading. As explained by the late royal author Christopher Warwick on True Royalty's Royal Beat, these residences are not flats in the American sense but are more akin to interconnected red-brick terrace houses built around three courtyards within Kensington Palace.
A Challenging Period and Relocation
The couple has faced a difficult time recently, with Kate's cancer diagnosis and King Charles's own health issues. They have access to Anmer Hall in Norfolk but moved to the eight-bedroom Forest Hall in Windsor last year. Prior to that, they resided at Adelaide Cottage, a more modest property also located in Windsor.
Adelaide Cottage, built in 1831 as a retreat for Queen Adelaide, consort of King William IV, holds a rich and sometimes controversial history. It was a favourite spot of Queen Victoria, who often breakfasted there, and was once home to Group Captain Peter Townsend, known for his high-profile romance with Princess Margaret. Townsend, a former RAF pilot and equerry to King George VI, was a divorcé 16 years older than Margaret, causing significant scandal at the time.
Lavish Refurbishments and Speculation
In 2015, Adelaide Cottage underwent extensive renovations, featuring opulent interior design. Reports indicate that the principal bedroom ceiling is adorned with gilded dolphins and intricate rope detailing. Following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding in 2018, there was brief speculation that the cottage might become their Windsor home, valued for its seclusion and proximity to London.
The revelation about William and Kate's ground-floor bedroom adds a new layer to understanding their private lives, highlighting how even royal couples may opt for unconventional arrangements within their historic homes. This insight comes amid their ongoing challenges and relocations, underscoring the blend of tradition and personal choice in their living spaces.
