Prince William's 30th birthday gift from the Queen

Prince William and Kate Middleton were surprised with a cottage at Sandringham by the Queen

Prince William was reportedly surprised with a £25,000 portrait by wife Kate Middleton on his 30th birthday last week, which sounded pretty good to us. But now it seems the Queen has gone one better.

According to insiders, the monarch gave Prince William a cottage at her sprawling Sandringham estate for his big 3-0, which will be ready for use later this year.

PRINCE WILLIAM'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

It's not known exactly which cottage thePrince was give on the 20,000-acre Sandringham estate.

But insiders say a property at one of the Queen's favourite residences is 'definitely being made ready' for Prince William and Kate Middleton this summer.

'A property is definitely being made available to William and Kate this year and a plan is in place for William to have his own place on the estate,' one insider told the Mail.

‘He’s a country boy and loves Norfolk, just like his father and his grandparents. It’s a lovely, peaceful place and William adores it.’

Sandringham Castle is thought to hold special memories for Prince William and Kate Middleton, who spent their first Christmas together there, with the rest of the Royal Family last year.

It's thought William and Katehave often visited Sandringham's Wood Farm Cottage, used as an informal country retreat by the royals - for romantic weekends away.

What do you think of Prince William's birthday gift from the Queen? Let us know in the comments box below…

PRINCE WILLIAM'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

PRINCE WLLIAM AT 30

WILLIAM AND KATE: RELATIONSHIP IN PICS