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Prince William, Kate and family's country home

After the first several nights recovering at Kensington Palace in London from the highly anticipated birth of Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have packed their bags and are on the move to the country. With nearly 2-year-old Prince George and the newborn Princess Charlotte in tow, Will and Kate will be the newest royal residents in the picturesque village of Anmer in the county of Norfolk.

The 18th-century Georgian mansion, Anmer Hall, was a gift from his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, for Prince William’s 30th birthday. The home, which has been undergoing renovations for the past two years, boasts 10 bedrooms, a modern swimming pool, a tennis court and is fully baby-proofed and ready for the new princess.

Yahoo News and Finance Anchor Bianna Golodryga sat down with Yahoo royal contributor Victoria Arbiter to learn more about what drew the duke and duchess to raising their children in the country.  “The reason they are really gravitating to that house is that Kate grew up in a tiny village. Country life is what they are all about, and where they get the most privacy,” she said.

The newborn baby Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge, born to parents Kate Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William., (John Stillwell/Pool via AP)
The newborn baby Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge, born to parents Kate Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William., (John Stillwell/Pool via AP)

Kate has already been seen in the village shopping in the local shops for her home, and taking Prince George to the nearby petting zoo at Snettisham Park. And with the queen just 2 miles down the road at Sandringham Estate, and Kate’s mother, Carole, moving in to help out with the children, they should have plenty of help adjusting to their new life. 

The village of Anmer is ready for its newest royal residents as well. Arbiter explains that “There has been a royal presence there for hundreds of years with Sandringham, and they can be part of the small community.”

The innkeeper in town adds, “They are not going to be interfered with. People will let them live their lives as normal.”

And even the bartender at the local pub promises: “If Will was to walk in and I was to serve him a pint, I would make sure it is a good pint!”

Although Kensington Palace will continue to be the permanent residence of the duke and duchess, they plan to spend much of the summer at Anmer Hall, getting to know the new princess in their family.