Kate Middleton and Prince William given country home by the Queen

Kate Middleton and Prince William have been gifted a country mansion on the Queen's Sandringham estate as they prepare for a royal baby

Kate Middleton and Prince William are to be given a country mansion by the Queen, as the prepare for the arrival of their first child, according to reports.

It's thought the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been gifted sprawling property Anmer Hall on the royal Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

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The picturesque Grade II-listed Georgian property boasts 10 bedrooms and rolling grounds, and has previously been occupied by Prince William's close friends the Van Cutesm family, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Kent.

It's also thought Prince William spent time there as a child.

And as pregnant Kate Middleton stays out of the spotlight more and more, royal sources say the country pile has been 'earmarked' for the Duke and Duchess when the current tenant leaves.

'The house has been earmarked for William and Kate,' said a source on the Sandringham insider.

But a Buckingham Palace spokesman said: 'We would not comment on private properties on the Queen’s private estates.'

Prince William and Kate Middleton currently live between their remote home in Anglesey, where Prince William works as an RAF search and rescue pilot, and a cottage in the gardens of Kensington Palace, which they have been using while their new quarters is renovated.

It's thought the couple will move in to 1A in Kensington Palace this summer, a five-bedroom apartment once home to Princess Margaret.

According to reports, the home has undergone extensive refurbishments ahead of the royal couples move, which will see them settled ahead of the arrival of their first child later this year.

Last week it was revealed Prince William is planning a low-key celebration for pregnant Kate's birthday on January 9, which includes family and close friends.

Insiders say the Duke and Duchess are hoping to celebrate with a small family lunch or dinner, and enjoy her last birthday with Prince William, before they welcome their first child into the world.

'Wills and the Middleton family are planning a very quiet do, but there'll be a 'surprise element', which could be one of two things,' the source continued.

'They'll arrange a very small lunch with present openings if she's feeling up to it. Or, they'll throw a big family dinner in the evening.

'She'll just want to be with her family and enjoy her last birthday with Wills before there's a little one to look after. And it seems Kate is just looking forward to spending her birthday with her family before she gets to grip with motherhood.'

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