During Princess Catherine's latest cancer health update, royal fans were given a special glimpse into the Wales' stunning second home, Amner Hall, located on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. The residence, gifted to them by the late Queen Elizabeth II after their marriage, has served as a cherished country retreat for the couple and their three children. Over time, the home has undergone several changes, including a £1.5 million renovation that left at least one senior royal quite baffled by its new layout.
One of the most surprising transformations was the rerouting of the main driveway. The couple shifted the driveway across a field and moved the gate further down to enhance the family's privacy and security. Additionally, they planted trees around the perimeter, creating a serene and secluded environment.
Perhaps the most striking update was made to the kitchen. As one observer noted, "They all lived in the kitchen—only one room!" This comment referred to the previous renovations that gave Amner Hall a more modern layout, with the kitchen as the focal point of the home. While kitchens in grand homes are typically tucked away, the Waleses decided to place theirs at the heart of the house, reflecting their down-to-earth nature. For Catherine and William, the kitchen is not just a place to cook but the very soul of their home, where family time and togetherness are paramount.
Aside from the kitchen, there were also plans to replace an old tennis court with a more modern one featuring artificial turf. These renovations were commissioned by the Prince and Princess of Wales to enhance the aesthetic and structural appeal of Amner Hall, as well as to revamp its interior and grounds.
In a video shared last month, Princess Catherine provided an update on her recovery journey following her cancer diagnosis, which she revealed in March. The video offered a rare glimpse into the family's life at Amner Hall, including a touching scene where the family enjoys a board game together. In the background, a large potted plant caught the attention of gardening experts, who identified it as likely belonging to the alocasia family, a plant native to Asia and eastern Australia. Interestingly, some varieties of this plant contain calcium oxalate, a substance that can be toxic, adding an unexpected twist to the seemingly simple background detail.
Outdoors, the family is seen playing with a special edition deck of cards commemorating the Battle of Britain, a historic and proud moment in UK history. The cards, featuring images of RAF pilots and war symbols, retail for around £6.50 and subtly remind viewers of Prince William’s past as a lieutenant in the Royal Air Force.
Even the vehicle driven by Catherine in the video carries historical significance. The Land Rover Defender 110, which costs around £70,000, was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. This connection to the late monarch adds another layer of depth to the video, paying homage to royal tradition through the smallest of details.
In one picnic scene, there are a couple of standout observations. First, viewers can spot an orange bag of Tyrrell's crisps, a beloved British snack brand. Additionally, the family uses a luxury thermal bag from Sandstorm Kenya, a safari brand known for its waterproof, silk-lined products. This particular bag retails for around £180.
A few more subtle details include Prince George's blue T-shirt from Mango, which, while casual and affordable, still reflects the young prince's adventurous spirit. Finally, the video’s soundtrack, "Ireland" by Ben Winwood, plays softly in the background. This royalty-free track perfectly complements the family's peaceful and joyous moments together.
These small yet significant details, easily missed at first glance, offer a deeper insight into the thought and symbolism woven into every aspect of this carefully curated royal family video.
