Prince William and Princess Kate's secret cottage that worked as the perfect paparazzi hideout


The Prince and Princess of Wales have a lesser-known bolthole in Scotland where they took refuge during their dating days


Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales meet with farm owner Charlie Mallon and his family during their visit to Mallon Farm, a flax farm in County Tyrone that is spearheading the revival of flax growing for linen, as a blueprint for sustainable farming systems on October 14, 2025 in Cookstown, Northern Ireland© Getty Images
Rachel Avery
Rachel AveryHomes Editor
39 minutes ago

The Prince and Princess of Wales are approaching their one-year anniversary at their forever home, Forest Lodge. As well as their idyllic base in Windsor, the family have access to a luxury apartment inside Kensington Palace and their country bolthole, Anmer Hall. But, did you know that King Charles also gives them access to a special Scottish cottage for ultimate privacy?

In the past, the royal couple have been known to slope off to Tam-Na-Ghar to hideout from the paparazzi during their dating days. Subsequently, it has been reported that they have also whisked their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, off to Bonnie Scotland to stay at the humble three-bed home.

Balmoral Castle, in the valley of the River Dee, shot in autumn© Alamy Stock Photo
The Balmoral estate is so picturesque

It was once speculated that William owned the cottage, but Kensington Palace has set the record straight, clarifying that William does not lease or own the house and that it is owned by the Crown Estate and leased to a third party.

A beautiful Balmoral rental 

For those looking for a slice of idyllic life on the Balmoral estate, Charles rents out a number of cottages on the site, including the gorgeous, Tigh Na Garaidh Cottage.

The simple yet charming property is set within Balmoral grounds and boasts stunning views across the estate.

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The traditional property has large sash windows allowing plenty of light in, and the interiors are cosy and homely. Outside, there is an immaculate fenced-off garden space with a giant greenhouse. 

The property is listed for rental on the Balmoral website, open to members of the public for selected dates if they book a minimum seven-night stay. 

When promoting the residence on social media, the team sold it by writing: "Situated in the heart of the castle gardens, in a quiet setting overlooking the conservatories, Tigh na Garaidh can accommodate up to four guests with 1x double & 1x twin room."

The soonest date that is available for a stay is November 2027 and from 6 November a seven-night stay costs £1,155.

Prince George has flown the nest

Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Prince George walking in rain with umbrellas.© Getty
The Princess of Wales and Prince William with their son Prince George as he arrives for his first day at Eton

The family will need to sync up any vacations with Prince George's new Eton timetable, now he is enrolled at private school full-time. The 13-year-old now lives in a shared house on College grounds with around 55 other boys, just as the rest of pupils do. The royal, however, will have his own private room as the institution ensures all students do for their own benefit. 

George is currently back at the family home as he is on "leave" from Eton. This will give him a chance to celebrate Halloween and Bonfire Night with his parents and siblings in Windsor, before returning to Eton on 8 November.

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