Inside William and Kate’s Norfolk retreat
Why the Prince and Princess of Wales love summers at Anmer Hall
It’s the holidays, at last, which means the Royal Family head to their summer retreats – the King and Queen will take time out at Balmoral and the Prince and Princess of Wales return to Norfolk, to Anmer Hall. But what is it like in their east-coast hideaway, on the Sandringham Estate? Maria wrote all about it for this month’s Woman Royal Special, on sale now in all good newsagents and supermarkets, or buy it here. Do check the full feature out. Here’s an extract:
Nothing captures the feelings of freedom and happiness like the picture, above, of William, George, Charlotte and Louis jumping over a sand dune on Norfolk’s Holkham Beach. Taken by a recuperating Kate earlier this year, it was released on William’s 42nd birthday on June 21. It showed a clear message how the family has come together through Kate’s cancer diagnosis. Having endured a traumatic year so far, the Wales’ will be spending a peaceful summer not far from that beach, at their cherished country bolthole, Anmer Hall.
Built in 1802, Anmer Hall is William and Kate’s Georgian home - a wedding present from the late Queen. For them, it represents normal life and freedom in a safe and secure environment. “We spend as much time as we can here, it’s very peaceful,” William said. While Kate once confessed she is happiest when “I’m with my family outside in the countryside and we’re all filthy dirty.” Before moving in, they renovated the mansion with their own funds to the tune of £1.5 million. The works reportedly included a new roof, kitchen, conservatory and redecorating all the rooms.
The property includes a swimming pool, tennis court and sprawling gardens, including a big wooden seesaw, Wendy house, swings, climbing frames and climbing wall. We were given a rare peek into the gardens when William and Kate released a family video in 2021 on social media (see above) , marking their 10th wedding anniversary.
Their imposing Norfolk mansion, protected by security gates and cameras, and a drive lined with tall conifers, is well hidden. Inside, according to those who have visited, it is a warm and welcoming family home. The perfect setting for a happy and relaxed childhood for George, Charlotte and Louis. In fact, it was their main family home during lockdowns and from the time of Charlotte’s birth in May 2015 to their return to Kensington Palace in 2017.
Staff is kept to a minimum, just like domestic life at Adelaide Cottage. Kate loves to cook, and mealtimes are said to be hectic affairs in their open-plan kitchen. The Princess also loves to keep the children entertained with a family baking session. She also keeps beehives at Anmer Hall and even makes her own honey.
William gave an insight into why they feel at home at Anmer, during a TV documentary, Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers. Talking about the environmental work his late grandpa achieved at Sandringham, he said, “For me, coming here and now living here, everything that he’s done has led up to Catherine and I feeling that this is a part of the country we want to be in. We love this area, it feels like home, and that’s because of what he’s created.”
Certainly, their home and the surrounding countryside is a children’s paradise for George, Louis and Charlotte. There’s plenty to keep them busy, with the Wales’ embracing the rural side of life. From walks and bike rides, pub lunches and village shopping, to playing on Holkham Beach with its windswept dunes - all with Orla, their four-year-old English cocker spaniel. They spend their time here living under the radar. They visit local parks and gastropubs, William is often seen cycling around nearby villages, and Kate happily potters in the shops of Holt and Burnham Market. They are rarely bothered by locals, who are used to seeing members of the Royal Family out and about in this part of Norfolk.
Anmer Hall is the family’s oasis, their cocoon of cosy normality. As Kate continues to recuperate, there’s no denying it’s what the family need, now more than ever - and a lifetime of happy holidays jumping over sand dunes.
Fancy a trip to North Norfolk?
Visit our sister site The British Travel List for a guide to the region, here.
I read this sitting in my mother's house in Holt and, having spent the last few days on the beaches and roaming the countryside, I can confirm that it still a wonderful place to spend the summer. Despite its popularity, there are many places that are quiet and hidden away - perfect for Royals looking to escape the glare of media attention!