The Royal Couple's Bedroom Arrangement: Kate And William's Choice

As members of the British royal family, Prince William and Kate Middleton's relationship and living arrangements are often the subject of speculation and curiosity. While the specifics of where they sleep are not publicly confirmed, most sources indicate that they have adjoining but separate bedrooms in their main residence, Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace in London. However, they likely share a bedroom at their country home, Anmer Hall, and on official tours and visits when they are assigned joint suites.

Kate and William's bedroom in Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace, the official residence of Prince William and Princess Kate, has a rather interesting floor plan. Their "apartment" is actually a lavish four-story home with over 20 rooms, including two reception rooms, studies, a dining room, three kitchens, two master suites, three additional en-suite bedrooms, a private gym, and an elevator. While the specifics of their sleeping arrangements are not publicly confirmed, most sources indicate that they have adjoining but separate bedrooms.

One reason for this choice may be the royal tradition of having separate bedrooms, which is common for high-profile royal couples like Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Having separate bedrooms allows for more privacy and independence, convenience with different schedules, and space for their children. Additionally, Princess Kate is said to suffer from hay fever, so having her own bed could help soothe her allergies.

However, the couple likely shares a bedroom when staying at their country home, Anmer Hall, and on official tours and visits when they are assigned joint suites. They also seem to value their privacy and aim to have a relatable marriage and family life, with a source commenting that they have "very normal marital routines".

The apartment, located in the Clock Tower wing of the palace, was given to the couple by Queen Elizabeth as a wedding gift in 2011 and underwent extensive renovations before they moved in. The exterior of Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria, has retained its original design, while the interior has undergone changes over the years. The impressive brick facade of the 17th-century palace was designed by renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren.

The couple's apartment, known as Apartment 1A, is said to be decorated with a mix of high-end and budget furnishings. The entrance hall features intricate cornicing and large black and white flagstones, while the main entertaining rooms have large open fireplaces and lovely big windows overlooking the garden. The main living area has a neutral colour palette with warm creams and beiges, floral throw pillows, and small touches of colour.

Apartment 1A has played host to notable guests, including former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, who dined with the royal couple in one of the reception rooms. The room was decorated with warm beiges and floral pillows, a large octagonal coffee table, and a pink-patterned chair.

Royal sleeping arrangements

Sleeping arrangements for the British royal family have been a topic of curiosity and speculation for the public. While the specifics of their sleeping arrangements are not usually publicly confirmed, there is a long tradition of royal couples sleeping in separate beds.

Royal Tradition

According to Sally Bedell Smith's biography of Queen Elizabeth, titled "Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch", separate bedrooms are simply the tradition within the British upper class. Prince Philip's cousin, Lady Pamela, explained that the arrangement is a practical one:

> You don't want to be bothered with snoring or someone flinging a leg around. Then when you are feeling cozy you share your room sometimes. It is lovely to be able to choose.

Indeed, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, as well as Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, are known to have separate bedrooms, with the option of sharing a bed when they choose.

Prince William and Kate Middleton

Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, seem to be breaking with this tradition. While they have separate bedrooms on the Royal Train, most sources indicate that they share a bed in their main residence, Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace. They even reportedly purchased the same model of bed they had in their previous home in Anglesey, Wales.

Royal commentators have weighed in on the likelihood of the couple sharing a bed, with some suggesting that they have adjoining but separate bedrooms, allowing for privacy and independence. However, others argue that they likely share a bed, especially in their country home, Anmer Hall, which only has one master suite.

In conclusion, while the exact sleeping arrangements of the royal couple are not confirmed, they appear to be more modern in their approach, valuing their privacy while also aiming for a relatable marriage and family life.

Privacy and independence

The couple has separate bedrooms with connecting doors in their main residence, Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace. This setup allows them to have their own space and prepare privately, conduct work, or wind down before bed without disturbing each other. It also provides flexibility, enabling them to choose to share a room or have separate spaces as needed.

Having separate bedrooms can offer health benefits to couples, as it allows them to make individual choices regarding sleeping habits, such as preferences for temperature, bedding, and routines. It can also reduce the risk of infection, especially if one partner is ill, and can alleviate symptoms for those with allergies.

While royal tradition often includes separate bedrooms for high-profile couples, Kate and William seem to blend tradition with modern flexibility. They reportedly share a bedroom in their country home, Anmer Hall, and during official tours when they are typically assigned joint suites.

The couple's approach to their sleeping arrangements reflects their desire for a relatable marriage and family life while also valuing their privacy and independence.

Royal train sleeping arrangements

The sleeping arrangements on the Royal Train are a far cry from the luxurious four-poster bed that Prince William and Kate Middleton share at Kensington Palace. During a three-day tour of the UK in 2020 or 2021, the royal couple slept in separate beds on the Royal Train. The suite on the train features "his and hers" single beds, a private bathtub, and a 12-seat dining room with a Formica table. This setup is in line with the tradition of royal couples having separate bedrooms, which stems from the English upper class's custom of sleeping separately.

While William and Kate do have adjoining but separate bedrooms in their main residence at Kensington Palace, they typically share a bedroom when staying at their country home, Anmer Hall, and on official tours when they are assigned joint suites. They even have a favourite model of bed, the Natural Choice 4500, which they purchased after moving from Anglesey, Wales, to Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace.

The Royal Train is used by members of the Royal Family during visits around the UK and offers a unique glimpse into the sleeping arrangements of royalty when they are away from their grand palaces and country homes. The train features a private bathtub and a dining room, providing a more intimate setting for the royal couple during their travels.

While the specifics of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's sleeping arrangements are not publicly confirmed, most sources indicate that they do have separate bedrooms in their main residence, with the exception of their country home, where they likely share a bedroom. This blend of tradition and modern flexibility seems to work well for their family and public roles.

Royal tradition

It is a long-standing tradition for members of the British royal family to sleep in separate beds. This custom is said to have originated for practical reasons, such as childbirth, before the advent of modern medicine. However, it has persisted into modern times, with separate bedrooms offering royals independence and an escape from the constant presence of servants and attendants.

Lady Pamela, Prince Philip's cousin, explained the reasoning behind this tradition:

> "In England, the upper class always have had separate bedrooms. You don’t want to be bothered with snoring or someone flinging a leg around. Then when you are feeling cozy you share your room sometimes. It is lovely to be able to choose."

Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, maintained separate bedrooms throughout their marriage, as did Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

While it is not publicly confirmed, it is believed that Kate and William have largely followed this tradition, with reports indicating they have adjoining but separate bedrooms in their main residence, Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace.

However, it is thought that they do share a bedroom when staying at their country home, Anmer Hall, and on official tours and visits when they are assigned joint suites.

During a three-day tour of the UK in 2020, the couple slept in separate beds on the Royal Train, which has "his and hers" single beds.

On the whole, Kate and William seem to blend royal tradition with modern flexibility, prioritising their privacy while also aiming for a relatable marriage and family life.

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