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ROYAL RETREAT
Inside Kate Middleton’s half-term with the kids as she recovers at ‘animal haven’ Anmer Hall, with pond dipping & tennis
King Charles is recovering nearby on the estate
LIKE millions of kids around Britain, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are celebrating their half term holidays from school.
The royal youngsters are staying at “animal haven” Anmer Hall in Norfolk with their parents, and will be surrounded by “every amenity imaginable”, according to an expert.
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The family relocated from their Windsor home, Adelaide Cottage, while Kate Middleton recovers from the abominable surgery she had in January.
Kate, 42, is said to be “on the mend”, following her 13-day recovery in the private London Clinic - although she is unlikely to be seen carrying out any frontline duties until after Easter.
A pal told the : "Catherine is recovering well.
"She was looking forward to a change of scene and will be able to take it easy in Norfolk while the children let off steam with William."
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Kate and William often like to take their kids to their 10-bedroom country home in their school holidays.
But what does half term look like when you’re in the royal family?
Animal haven
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Along with their family dog, black cocker spaniel Orla, George, 10, Charlotte, eight, and Louis, five, have a host of animals at Anmer Hall.
Royal editor Ingrid Seward told Fabulous: “Their home, Anmer Hall has every amenity imaginable and is a small animal haven including guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits and chickens.
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“Then there is the pony Charlotte was given for her 7th birthday in 2022.
“It is small enough to be transported relatively easily between the Royal Mews at Windsor where all the royal children’s ponies are kept and the stables at Sandringham.”
Huge grounds
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Anmer Hall was originally built in 1802 and was given as a lavish wedding present from the Queen to William and Kate after they tied the knot in 2011.
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Anmer Hall is located on the grounds of the sprawling, 20,000-acre Sandringham Estate, which means there is plenty of space for the youngsters to run around.
A source told Fabulous: “Climbing frames, a climbing wall and swings are a big part of the family’s outdoor activity scene.
“Birdwatching with binoculars is another favourite of the kids.”
Ingrid added: “They also have a tennis court and every amenity they can possibly have including lots of local friends.”
Perhaps Princess Charlotte will also kick around a football with her brothers, after sending a message to the England Lionesses alongside dad Prince William ahead of the victorious Euro final.
She showed off her footie skills back in 2019 as she played with Prince George at the polo.
Anmer Hall has its own swimming pool - but sadly it’s typically not ready to be swam in until April, according to the source.
Dad William is in charge
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While Kate is understandably “taking it easy”, there are plenty of activities for the kids to enjoy with Prince William.
Ingrid continued: “This year both parents are around as William has taken time off from royal duties for a week to run things at home.
“When Kate is resting – which she has to do – they can bike around the Sandringham estate or go to the small nearby beaches.
“Having the children entertained outdoors means Kate can relax and then bake some of their favourite cakes.
“The children have more fun at Anmer Hall than anywhere else.”
Pond dipping
The sports loving family are expected to have “a heavy focus on outdoor activities” during their break, with the children being taken pond dipping (trawling the shallows of a pond to capture creatures).
They could also be taken spider hunting, and if the weather is nice, sailing.
Grandad King Charles is nearby
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The family is close to King Charles, who is also spending time in Norfolk following his cancer diagnosis, and could pop round for a visit, depending on medical advice.
The monarch was admitted to The London Clinic on January 26 to undergo the operation and his stay was extended by 24 hours.
A "separate issue of concern was noted" during his corrective prostate surgery - and further tests revealed the presence of cancer.
Ingrid added: “No doubt the King has asked his own chef to make some foodie treats for the family to enjoy and hopefully he finds the opportunity to see the only grandchildren available to him.”
Celebrity Caribbean island
While the family are spending half term in the UK this year, they often jet to an island ticked away in the Caribbean, Mustique.
The celebrity bolthole is the ultimate playground of the rich and famous - and has played host to countless members of the Royal Family over the years.
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In fact, Prince George celebrated his sixth birthday there and Kate and William splashed the cash to stay at the £27,000-a-week Villa Antilles.
The total cost came to £56,000 for the two week stay (including obligatory service charge for the staff).
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The five bedroom luxury holiday pad includes a kids’ room fitted with two bunk beds, a chef, butler, housekeeper and private garden.
When they aren’t in Mustique, Kate and William have been known to take their kids skiing.
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