Kate Middleton and Prince William's low key date nights - and how they keep them secret

Prince William and Princess Kate are known around the world, and that can make date nights more difficult. The Royal pair attract large crowds, making their private time even more valuable.

However, they have found a sanctuary at Anmer Hall in Norfolk, a wedding gift from the late Queen, which has become their preferred home, largely because of the respect shown by the local community, reports the Mirror.

Royal commentator Katie Nicholl shared insights with OK! about the couple's ability to enjoy discreet date nights, thanks to the locals' protective nature. "The locals are incredibly protective of them, you don't often see people get out their camera phones and record them. They are left to just get on with a family occasion," said Nicholl.

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She added: "If you speak to anyone from North Norfolk, they're incredibly proud that William and Kate are continuing a love affair with Norfolk that goes back generations. Kate and William tend to go to the same places and these are places where they are known and have a good relationship with the landlord or landlady.

"They've been going to these places for a long time, so it's not unusual and it's not difficult for them to go and relax. Norfolk is one of the few places they can just enjoy ordinary, everyday experiences as a family. William and Kate often go out on date nights and you don't hear about it."

Indeed, the Wales family have been spotted on numerous occasions, from local pubs to the Sainsbury's in King's Lynn. In the February half-term of 2020, Kate took Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis for some pottery painting at Mable's Paint Pot in Burnham Market.

It appears that the ceramics store and traditional sweet shop is a firm favourite with the royals. A source told HELLO!: "Kate is a regular at Mable's Paint Pot, she always pops in with the children and nobody pays any attention. That's why she likes it so much here, they consider Norfolk their real home and it's because everybody treats them totally normally here and lets them get on with their lives."

The Waleses have cleverly found a way to enjoy Norfolk's stunning beaches without attracting too much attention.

A local revealed to the publication: "They've been spotted on a yacht just off Holkham Beach, it's the perfect way for them to be able to enjoy the beach but be away from the crowds. Holkham is amazing - it's the beach from Shakespeare in Love - huge white sand with sand dunes, and although it's very popular it never feels busy, as it's so big."

"But even still, it would be hard for the Royal family to come down and enjoy it during peak summer season. Being on a boat gives them privacy and security but they still get to enjoy their local beach."