The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have received some public criticism for leaving seven-month-old Prince George behind in the U.K. while they enjoy a luxury holiday in the Maldives, but Royal Watch can understand the temptation of a respite. As well as wanting some time together, the pair was apparently desperate for a break after the headache of ongoing refurbishments at their country home in Norfolk. They were due to move into the Georgian pile, a gift from the Queen, before Christmas, but the house was not ready. Now I’m told
renovations have fallen so behind schedule, the Cambridges are unlikely to be in before the summer. Anmer Hall, located on the Queen’s 20,000-acre Sandringham Estate, is currently hiding behind scaffolding. “It was due to be a bolt hole for the family at the weekends, but they have been confined to staying in London because the house is still not ready,” a source tells me. “They are doing a huge amount of work both inside and outside and it.” The holiday to the Maldives is not the first time the couple has left Prince George behind, in fact. In January they enjoyed a night away, just the two of them, at Sandringham. “They wanted to see how the renovations were coming along and left George behind,” says my mole. “It has taken longer than they expected and been a bit of a headache.” As well as having a new roof put on the property, a garden room has been built onto the kitchen, and a driveway is also being re-routed and trees planted for extra privacy. When it is ready, the house will be a perfect family home-complete with a swimming pool and tennis court for the sporty couple. “They want to be in this summer so they can have some proper downtime,” adds a source. – Yahoo Entertainment
