Kate Middleton and Prince William's very low key date nights - and incredible way they're kept secret

William and Kate have three beautiful properties - one of which gives them the chance to lead a relatively normal life, and even enjoy the occasional date night together

Prince William and Princess Kate are famous around the world, and that can certainly make date nights a little tricky.

The royal couple attract huge crowds wherever they go, meaning their private moments are all the more precious. But they have a refuge that offers them the chance to have time together as a 'normal' family.

Anmer Hall in Norfolk was given to William and Kate as a wedding present by the late Queen. It is the couple's favourite residence - not least because the locals go out of their way to respect their royal neighbours.

According to royal expert Katie Nicholl, the couple are even able to frequently enjoy low-key date nights – and it's all thanks to the discretion of fellow residents. "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," Nicholl previously told OK!.

"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."

She added, "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 seen on plenty of occasions, from local pubs to the Sainsbury's in King's Lynn.

During the February half-term in 2020, Kate took Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to do some pottery painting at Mable's Paint Pot in Burnham Market. And it seems the ceramics store and traditional sweet shop is a favourite of the royals.

A source reveals to 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 found a great way to make the most of Norfolk's beautiful beaches without drawing too much attention to themselves.

One local told 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."