The Prince and Princess of Wales were spotted at an unusual date night venue in October 2023 – and they left onlookers ‘all a twitter’ as they made their low-key arrival
Prince William and Princess Kate headed out to a surprising date night venue – and they left onlookers stunned by their low-key appearance.
When they’re not busy with their official royal duties, the couple enjoy spending time away from the public eye as a family with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
But they managed to head out for a date night in October 2023, and paid a secret visit to the salerooms of auctioneers Dreweatts, located close to their Windsor home, Adelaide Cottage.
According to the Daily Mail, the couple appeared “very, very interested” in some of the items they saw while at the salerooms. They were looking at the extraordinary collection amassed by the late decorator and antique dealer Robert Kime, who was hired by King Charles in 2000 to overhaul Highgrove and Clarence House.
A three-day auction of his collection, which included carpets and vases worth up to £1.5million, started on Wednesday 4 October. A source told the Daily Mail, “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.”
Dreweatt and Kensington Palace declined to comment on William and Kate’s visit but some suspected that a discreet telephone bid – or two – could have been made on their behalf. If the couple did put in an offer for any of the pieces, it is likely they would have been for their friends and family, rather than something for themselves.
The Princess is known to have a passion for the arts – she famously studied History of Art at university. And, according to one expert, she likes to make secret solo trips to museums and galleries using a special trick to ensure she doesn’t get noticed. Royal author Tina Brown has revealed the Princess heads out well before 8am, so she can beat the public rush and not be seen.
Writing in her book, The Palace Papers, Ms Brown stated that Kate’s solo outings are done to “nourish her inner life” as well as allowing her to get out freely, and do some of the things she enjoys. Although the trick works the majority of the time, the royal was once spotted at a David Hockney exhibition at the Royal Academy by a surprised fan. Kate reportedly confided: “I miss my history of art. It’s what I do to get my fix.”
Kate is more than just a fan of art – she is a gifted artist herself. Alongside being a talented amateur photographer, she is particularly fond of sketching. And she put her artistic skills to good use for her sister Pippa’s wedding in May 2017. The accomplished royal drew St Mark’s Church, where the ceremony was held, on the front cover of the order of service.
