Prince William and Kate Middleton's hidden bolthole they'd sneak off to during university days
The Prince and Princess of Wales have been seen on the Balmoral Estate in Scotland several times over the years as it is a place where they can entirely escape from the public eye. While there, they can expect to enjoy activities like family picnics, barbeques, long walks, fly fishing and deer-stalking in the utmost privacy.
The family of five even have their own home on the estate in Aberdeenshire, a three-bedroom cottage called Tam-Na-Ghar. Prince William has had access to residence ever since he was left it by The Queen Mother when she passed away in 2002. Before it became a regular base for the couple, the cottage was extensively used by Queen Victoria.
According to HELLO!, William and Kate have used the cottage as a retreat since the days when they were both students at the University of St Andrews.
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It is even said they would enjoy romantic weekends away together at the private bolthole and that they spent some of the happiest days of their lives there.
Speaking in 2019, a royal source told Vanity Fair that the couple stayed at the home with their three children. "The Queen has a lot of guests coming and to ease the pressure the [Waleses] are likely to stay at the cottage," they said.
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During an opening address at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 2021, Prince William opened up about the role the country has played in his life.
Referring to how he was in Scotland when he learnt of Diana, Princess of Wales death, he told the crowd: “Scotland is a source of some of my happiest memories but also my saddest.
“I was in Balmoral when I was told that my mother had died. Still in shock, I found sanctuary in the service at Crathie Kirk that very morning and in the dark days of grief that followed I found comfort and solace in the Scottish outdoors.
“As a result, the connection I feel to Scotland will forever run deep."
Then, referring to the moment he met his future wife at university in Scotland, William said: “Alongside this painful memory is one of great joy because it was here in Scotland 20 years ago this year that I first met Catherine.
"Needless to say the town where you meet your future wife holds a very special place in your heart. George, Charlotte and Louis already know how dear Scotland is to both of us and they are starting to build their own happy memories here too.”