The Prince and Princess of Wales. Prince William and Princess Kate surprised onlookers with a low-key date night at an unexpected location (Image: Jacob King/PA Wire)
Prince William and Kate Middleton managed to sneak in a secret date night to an auction house in October 2023 – and they were looking at some very expensive items
Prince William and Princess Kate surprised onlookers with a low-key date night at an unexpected location – the salerooms of auctioneers Dreweatts. Even amidst their hectic schedule of Royal responsibilities, they make time to cherish private moments away from the limelight, together with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
In a covert outing during October 2023, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stopped by Dreweatts near their residence, Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.
A source for the Daily Mail revealed that the royals were “very, very interested” in items from the late Robert Kime, a revered decorator and antiques dealer formerly employed by King Charles to refurbish Highgrove and Clarence House. The collection, rich with exquisite carpets and vases potentially valued at £1.5 million, was set to hit the auction block starting Wednesday, 4 October, over a three-day event.
A spectator shared with the publication, “Everyone was all of a twitter to see them. It was the beginning of the very big champagne reception that auctioneers always have before a serious date.”
While representatives from Dreweatt and Kensington Palace did not provide comments on the visit, there’s speculation that William and Kate may have engaged in some clandestine bidding. Should the Cambridges have made purchases, they would likely be gifts for friends and family rather than acquisitions for their own collection, reports the Mirror.
The Princess has a well-documented love for the arts, having studied History of Art at university. An expert claims that she often visits museums and galleries incognito, using an early morning tactic to avoid being recognised.
Royal author Tina Brown disclosed in her book ‘The Palace Papers’ that Kate’s discreet museum trips are a way to “nourish her inner life” and indulge in her passions with freedom. Despite usually going unnoticed, she was once seen at a David Hockney exhibition at the Royal Academy by an astonished onlooker.
Kate shared with the fan: “I miss my history of art. It’s what I do to get my fix.”
More than just an enthusiast, Kate is also an accomplished artist herself, known for her photography and sketching talents. Her artistic flair was showcased when she sketched St Mark’s Church for the cover of the order of service at her sister Pippa’s wedding in May 2017.
