As members of the British royal family, Kate Middleton and Prince William’s relationship and living arrangements are often the subject of speculation and curiosity. One question that frequently comes up is whether the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have separate bedrooms or share the same sleeping quarters in their homes.
Quick Answer
While the specifics of where Kate and William sleep are not publicly confirmed, most sources indicate that they do have adjoining but separate bedrooms in their main residence, Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace in London. However, they likely share a bedroom when staying at their country home, Anmer Hall, and on official tours and visits when they are assigned joint suites.
Why Might They Have Separate Rooms?
There are several possible reasons why Kate and William may have chosen adjoining bedrooms in their main London residence:
- Privacy and independence – Having their own space allows them to prepare privately, conduct work, or wind down before bed.
- Convenience – With different schedules, it allows each to turn in when needed without disturbing the other.
- Royal tradition – Separate bedrooms are reportedly common for high-profile royal couples including the Queen and Prince Philip.
- Childcare – Allows space for their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis when needed.
Evidence They Have Separate Rooms
Most experts who have commented on the Cambridge’s living arrangements support the theory of adjoining but separate rooms. Reasons include:
- Blueprints – Floorplans of Apartment 1A show adjoining bedrooms with connecting doors.
- Firsthand accounts – Journalist and Princess Diana biographer Andrew Morton says they have separate rooms.
- Need for space – Their family has grown to 5, so personal space makes sense.
- Separate dressing rooms – They have distinct spaces to dress and prepare for official duties.
Why They Might Share a Room
Despite having the option, there are also reasons why William and Kate may sometimes choose to share the same bedroom space:
- Romance and intimacy – As a couple, they likely value time alone together.
- Informal settings – When relaxed at home or on vacation, they may prefer to stay together.
- Special occasions – Important dates or anniversaries they will want to celebrate as a couple.
- Official tours – Hotels likely assign joint suites so they can be seen entering and exiting together.
Evidence They Share a Bedroom
There have also been some indications that Kate and William do share a main bedroom at times:
- Country home set-up – Only 1 master suite at Anmer Hall where they spend weekends.
- Official travel – Assigned joint suites on royal tours and visits abroad.
- Long-term partner – Even with some separate space, likely share a room regularly.
- Traditional expectations – Monarchy and public expect a united front from senior royals.
What Palace Sources Say
Officially, Kensington Palace does not comment on the specifics of the Duke and Duchess’ private life and living arrangements. However, some palace sources have provided subtle perspectives:
- “They have very normal marital routines.” – Unnamed senior royal aide quoted in The Sun, 2018.
- “They do not like to be apart.” – People Magazine source, 2014.
- “They’re very private about their sleeping arrangements.” – The Times of London source, 2013.
These comments hint that William and Kate aim to be as normal a married couple as possible, despite their royal status, and value their privacy around their relationship.
What Royal Experts and Biographers Say
In the absence of direct confirmation from the palace, royal experts and those who cover the family have shared their assessments:
- “Why would they sleep in the same bedroom? They are two people with massively stressful jobs.” – Andrew Morton, royal biographer
- “Having the option of separate rooms is common for senior royals.” – Brian Hoey, expert on royal residences
- “We’ll never have definitive confirmation, but adjoining rooms makes sense.” – Emily Andrews, royal correspondent for The Sun
- “They likely have a mix of joint and separate rooms like any modern marriage.” – Katie Nicholl, author and royal correspondent.
The consensus among those who study the royals closely aligns with the view that William and Kate keep aspects like their bedrooms private but modern and flexible.
Historical Context
Looking at the history of royal sleeping arrangements provides some wider context:
- Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip had separate bedrooms, according to biographers.
- Princess Diana described her “crowded” marriage to Prince Charles, implying lack of intimacy and shared rooms.
- The tradition of separate bedrooms originated partly for practical reasons like shifts in childbirth before modern medicine.
- But it has continued in modern times as space for independence and to escape the constant presence of servants and attendants.
Kate and William’s living situation seems a blend of tradition and modern flexibility that works for their family and public roles.
Recent Examples and Quotes
Some examples and quotes from William, Kate, and observers about their sleeping arrangements in recent years:
- “It was a very normal family moment – I felt like I was sneaking in seeing something I shouldn’t have.” – Photographer Arthur Edwards on seeing pyjamas and slippers laid out in their separate bedrooms on a royal tour.
- “William and I have got quite different ideas about tidiness.” – Kate commenting on their different personal spaces in 2016 tour video.
- “Keep the noise down.” – William joking to Kate when sneaking in late after a night out in 2012, hinting at adjoining bedrooms.
- “We’re going to be settling into Anmer for much of the time.” – William on plans to be at their country home more as their family grows.
These quotes corroborate the sense that while William and Kate value their privacy, they also aim to have a relatable marriage and family life despite their royal status.
Conclusion
In the absence of any official confirmation, the prevailing expert consensus seems to be that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge do have adjoining but separate bedrooms at Kensington Palace, allowing them some independence and privacy even as senior working members of the royal family. However, they likely share a main bedroom more regularly while staying at their country home Anmer Hall and when travelling together officially. Overall, their approach to where they sleep appears to balance royal tradition and obligations with the needs of their modern marriage and young family. As with most aspects of their private lives together, they aim to blend some normalcy into lives very much still in the public spotlight.
