Here’s why the Cambridges choose not to stay with the Queen when they visit Balmoral

And it all makes sense.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

And it all makes sense.

While the Queen spent most of the last year isolated to Windsor Castle, she did manage to have a little break at her summer home in Balmoral, Scotland, with her late husband Prince Philip and their two dorgis.

And they weren't alone, welcoming a series of family guests, from the Wessexes and Princess Eugenie to Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

Also in attendance of course were the Cambridges, as Prince William and Kate Middleton took Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to Scotland for a special holiday before returning to school.

The Cambridge family made news however as it was reported that they didn't actually stay with the Queen and Prince Philip during their holiday, and on closer inspection, it appears that they rarely do.

Why? Because they have their own property on the Balmoral estate.

Yes, really.

While the Duke and Duchess have Kensington Palace and their Anmer Hall home, they also have a third royal residence in Balmoral, Tam-Na-Ghar.

The three-bedroom cottage was a gift to Prince William from the Queen Mother and according to friends, the couple has had some of their happiest times there.

That way, the family of five can live in their own property but see their relatives every day.

Well, that's that.

Jenny Proudfoot
Features Editor

Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. She has worked at Marie Claire UK for seven years, rising from intern to Features Editor and is now the most published Marie Claire writer of all time. She was made a 30 under 30 award-winner last year and named a rising star in journalism by the Professional Publishers Association.