After months of waiting for their Kensington Palace home, the luxurious four-story Apartment 1-A residence, to have year-long renovations completed, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have finally moved in to their royal London digs, the Express reports.
After a brief week at Balmoral in Scotland visiting with Prince George's grandfather, Prince Philip, the new family of three (and their beloved dog, Lupo) used their own funds to decorate their official royal abode, as the taxpayer bill for renovations had already hit £1.1million. Kate Middleton and Prince William have not only shopped for original pieces, but chosen select furniture, artwork, ornaments and assorted paintings from the Royal Collection for their residence's decor, as well.
Apartment 1-A now features an environmentally-friendly heat and hot water system, a brand new modern kitchen, replaced wiring and other assorted refurbishments and external repairs, making it a safe and spacious place for their 10-week-old son to grow up.
Additionally, safety features such as an "air lock" double door, "advanced CCTV system, pop-up bollards and spiked railings" will help protect the beloved family from intruders, according to the Express.
Until now, the royal couple and their baby have moved around quite a bit, having first moved into the Middleton manor in Bucklebury, Berkshire shortly after Prince George was born, before later briefly returning to their North Anglesey, Wales farmhouse until Apartment 1-A was ready to have them. The 31-year-old parents will both resume their royal duties soon, as Prince William officially left his job as a search-and-rescue pilot for the Royal Air Force earlier this year.
Now the new dad will be able to pursue his passion for charity work and spend more time with his wife and son while fulfilling royal duties from London.
Kate Middleton is scheduled for her first solo appearance post-baby on Oct. 18, the Duchess set to join the Olympic and Paralympic athletes in playing sports with young athletes in London's Olympic Park.
"It's going to be an extremely busy 12 months," a royal senior aide said to the Express.
