Prince William and Kate Middleton might be famous around the world, but they still manage to sneak in some secret date nights.
The Prince and Princess of Wales attract huge crowds wherever they go, but they’re lucky to have one refuge which gives them the chance to spend time together as a “normal” couple. Their secret haven is Anmer Hall in Norfolk, which was a wedding gift from the late Queen.
Anmer Hall has become William and Kate’s preferred home, largely due to the respect they receive from the local community. Royal expert Katie Nicholl said Kate and William enjoy low-key evenings out thanks to the locals’ discretion.
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“The locals are incredibly protective of them, you don’t often see people get out their camera phones and record them. They are left to just get on with a family occasion,” Nicholl said.
Speaking to OK! Magazine, she added: “If you speak to anyone from North Norfolk, they’re incredibly proud that William and Kate are continuing a love affair with Norfolk that goes back generations. Kate and William tend to go to the same places and these are places where they are known and have a good relationship with the landlord or landlady.”
She added: “They’ve been going to these places for a long time, so it’s not unusual and it’s not difficult for them to go and relax. Norfolk is one of the few places they can just enjoy ordinary, everyday experiences as a family. William and Kate often go out on date nights and you don’t hear about it.”
The Wales family have been spotted numerous times engaging in local life, from enjoying meals at nearby pubs to shopping at the Sainsbury’s in King’s Lynn. In February 2020, Kate delighted Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis with an outing to Mable’s Paint Pot for some pottery painting, an activity that seems to be a Royal favorite.
A source disclosed to HELLO!: “Kate is a regular at Mable’s Paint Pot, she always pops in with the children and nobody pays any attention. That’s why she likes it so much here, they consider Norfolk their real home and it’s because everybody treats them totally normally here and lets them get on with their lives.”
The family also likes to visit Norfolk’s scenic beaches. A local shared with the magazine: “They’ve been spotted on a yacht just off Holkham Beach, it’s the perfect way for them to be able to enjoy the beach but be away from the crowds. Holkham is amazing – it’s the beach from Shakespeare in Love – huge white sand with sand dunes, and although it’s very popular it never feels busy, as it’s so big.
“But even still, it would be hard for the Royal family to come down and enjoy it during peak summer season. Being on a boat gives them privacy and security but they still get to enjoy their local beach.”
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