The Queen is said to have had a priceless reaction to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's newly-renovated home after being invited over for dinner. When Kate and William tied the knot in 2011, they were given plenty of lavish wedding presents, including Anmer Hall, a stately rural residence on the Queen's Sandringham Estate, which was gifted to the newlyweds by Her Majesty herself.
Although beautiful, the Georgian country pile required quite a lot of work, so the Duke and Duchess did not end up moving into Anmer Hall until the renovations had been completed in 2015. Unlike many members of The Firm, the Duke and Duchess decided to swap traditional royal décor for something a little more modern, The Independent reports.
Sally Bedell Smith, who wrote 'Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch', has claimed that Anmer Hall is an 'unstuffy home' where visitors are often greeted by the Duchess of Cambridge, who is in the middle of cooking a lasagna. But, whilst some visitors may admire the family's kitchen-orientated lifestyle, Her Majesty was not too impressed when she visited shortly after renovations had been wrapped up.
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Speaking about Her Majesty's reaction to the Cambridges' spacious kitchen, Bedell Smith told People: "I remember when they had just finished renovating Anmer Hall, and they invited the Queen over for lunch. They have one of those big kitchens with eating areas, and she said, ‘I can’t understand why everybody spends their time in the kitchen'."
Whilst the Cambridges still adore Anmer Hall, the family are moving from their current home at Kensington Palace to the Queen's Windsor estate later this summer. Kate, William, George, Charlotte, Louis, and the family dog, Orla, will be moving to Adelaide Cottage, just a ten-minute walk from Her Majesty's official residence, Windsor Castle.
A source close to the family opened up to The Sun about their big move. They said: "Kate and William were very keen for a modest home to start their new lives in Windsor.
"Adelaide Cottage fits the bill because it is a four-bedroom home and they do not need any more as they have no live-in staff. They were adamant they didn’t want anything too showy or anything that needed renovating or extra security so as not to be a burden on the taxpayer."
Prince George and Princess Charlotte said their goodbyes to their classmates at their Battersea prepatory school last month, as they will be attending a different school in Berkshire - Lambrook School - as of next month. Prince Louis will be joining them, as he starts school for the very first time in September.
The source added: "The added bonus is they can send George, Charlotte and Louis to school together locally. The three children will enjoy running around and playing in the gardens, which is the kind of life they enjoy so much when at Anmer Hall."
Another reason for the move is so the family can be closer to the Queen, who now mostly spends her time at Windsor Castle. Both Kate and William share a close relationship with Her Majesty, who is currently suffering from mobility problems; there is also speculation that the family will move into Windsor Castle one day, as Charles does not plan on living at Buckingham Palace when he ascends to the throne.
The source added: "They had no other demands than a pleasant family home close to schools and the Queen. They will pay rent from their private account.
"All they need to do is move in some of their treasured furniture and possessions. The whole family is looking forward to moving in this summer and starting a new chapter in their lives together in Windsor."
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