From Humble Beginnings to Royal Palaces: Where the Royals Lived Before Marriage
From Humble Beginnings to Royal Palaces: Where the Royals Lived Before Marriage
Marrying into royalty is a life-changing event, filled with new privileges, responsibilities, and often, a new address within palace walls. But where did these beloved royals live before their fairytale weddings? Let’s take a look at their humble abodes, from Princess Kate’s Chelsea apartment to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi’s impressive family home.
Kate’s Family Home: Bucklebury Manor
Before moving in with Prince William, Princess Kate shared a Chelsea apartment with her sister, Pippa Middleton. This three-story, three-bedroom home was quite impressive and sold for £1.88 million in September 2019. Although not as grand as her future palace residence, it was still a notable home in a highly sought-after part of London.
Kate’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, purchased Bucklebury Manor in Berkshire in 2012. This 18-acre estate features seven bedrooms, a tennis court, and a swimming pool. It remains Kate’s family home, and she visits regularly.
Meghan Markle’s Former Home in Canada
When she met Prince Harry, Duchess Meghan was living in Canada. In his book Spare, Harry described visiting Meghan’s Toronto home: “Meg was excited to show me her life, her dogs, her little house, which she adored.” Meghan often shared glimpses of her beautifully decorated home on Instagram, including her rainbow-coordinated bookshelf and chic bedroom.
Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi’s Family Home
Before his romance with Princess Beatrice, Edoardo lived with his fiancée Dara Huang in London. His family also owns Villa Mapelli Mozzi, an 18th-century property in Ponte San Pietro, Italy. Edoardo shared his childhood living experiences with The Telegraph, saying, “We lived in old mill houses, that kind of thing – I like trying to work out how to make an old building function for modern life.”
Jack Brooksbank’s Family Home
Jack Brooksbank, who married Princess Eugenie in 2018, lived in a Wandsworth house that had been his family’s residence since 2001. This gated property, surrounded by private land, provided a secluded spot for any visits.
Duchess Sophie’s Family Home in Kent
Before marrying Prince Edward, Duchess Sophie lived with her parents at Homestead Farmhouse in Brenchley, Kent. This four-bedroom, Grade II-listed farmhouse with a traditional thatched roof was sold by Sophie’s parents in 2001 for £600,000 and is now believed to be worth over £1 million.
Queen Camilla’s Country Home
Queen Camilla purchased Ray Mill House in 1995, a year after her split from her first husband. She lived there until 2003, before moving into King Charles’ London home, Clarence House. Camilla still retains her idyllic country home, which features an outdoor swimming pool, stables, and sweeping countryside views.
