Prince William and Kate's Unusual Royal Sleeping Arrangements Revealed
The Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince William and Kate Middleton, have maintained several royal residences throughout their marriage, yet they typically keep details about their domestic life private. However, it has emerged that their sleeping arrangements at Kensington Palace were rather unconventional.
Ground Floor Bedroom at Kensington Palace
Unlike most couples who sleep in an upstairs bedroom, the Prince and Princess of Wales previously occupied a principal bedroom positioned on the ground floor of Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace. A floor plan of their home in the historic London building shows where the bedrooms are situated, highlighting this unusual setup.
This apartment, which was formerly the residence of Princess Margaret, features 20 rooms, four floors, its own lift, a gym, and nine staff quarters. The late royal author Christopher Warwick clarified why it's described as an 'apartment' during an appearance on True Royalty's Royal Beat.
"All of these royal residences at Kensington Palace are called apartments, which of course makes people immediately think they are flats like the American term for an apartment," he explained. "They are not. If you think of Kensington Palace in a way, it is built around three courtyards. If you kind of think of them as being these wonderful red brick terrace houses. Because they are all joined, but separate houses."
Recent Moves and Other Residences
The couple, who have faced a difficult time following the Princess's cancer diagnosis alongside her father-in-law King Charles, have access to Anmer Hall in Norfolk. However, they moved to the eight-bedroom Forest Hall in Windsor last year. Before that, they resided at Adelaide Cottage, a more humble property also located in Windsor.
Set within the Crown Estate's private 655-acre Royal park, this historic home was constructed in 1831 as a sanctuary for Queen Adelaide, consort of King William IV, and possesses a vibrant and contentious history. Adelaide Cottage was a cherished sanctuary of Queen Victoria, who regularly enjoyed breakfast there.
Another notable previous resident was Group Captain Peter Townsend, famously connected romantically to Princess Margaret. Townsend, a former RAF pilot and equerry to King George VI, had a widely publicised romance with Princess Margaret. Their relationship sparked significant controversy as Peter was a divorcé who was 16 years her senior.
Luxurious Renovations and Past Speculations
In 2015, Adelaide Cottage underwent extensive renovation and features some exceptionally opulent interior design. According to reports, the master bedroom boasts a ceiling adorned with gilded dolphins and elaborate rope detailing. After Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018, there was temporary speculation that the cottage might become their new Windsor home.
The couple were said to appreciate the cottage's privacy and its handy proximity to London. The Prince and Princess of Wales, dedicated parents to their three youngsters - Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis - continue to navigate their royal duties while maintaining a degree of privacy in their personal lives, despite these intriguing revelations about their sleeping arrangements and residences.
