Inside Kate Middleton and Prince William's very low key date nights

William and Kate love the privacy afforded to them when they're staying at their home in Norfolk - and it means they are even able to enjoy regular date nights in the area

The Prince and Princess of Wales have three beautiful homes - but they have a special place in their heart for their Norfolk residence, Anmer Hall.

The couple and their three children retreat to the property whenever they can, including school holidays and some weekends, in order to escape the spotlight and live life as a 'normal' family.

The privacy afforded to them plays a big part in why William and Kate feel so comfortable and happy at Amner. And it seems the locals go out of their way to respect their royal residents.

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 their neighbours. "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."

Anmer Hall was given to the couple as a wedding gift by the late Queen Elizabeth II. And the Prince and Princess have been spotted in the area 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. 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."

And the Waleses have found a great way to make the most of Norfolk's fantastic beaches in the summer 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."