It's long been reported that royal couples have separate bedrooms, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, who reportedly have their own sleeping quarters at their London residence, Apartment 1A in Kensington Palace. While it is unknown if this has continued after their move to Forest Lodge in Windsor, which boasts eight bedrooms, it's possible that the couple chose this unusual sleep setup in the past for health reasons.
According to sleep experts at Loughborough University, women need 20 minutes more sleep than men due to their 'complex' brains – so having her own bedroom could mean that Princess Kate gets the extra sleep she needs, free from her husband disturbing her too early.
What separate beds say about the royal relationship
In 2023, the royal spoke about needing tips to help cope with stress, and has been open about struggling to sleep in the past. However, if William and Kate have chosen separate beds, it should not be considered a reflection of trouble in their marriage, according to Jessica Alderson, relationship expert and co-founder of the So Synchd dating app.
© Getty"One of the biggest relationship myths is that sleeping in separate beds is a sign of an unhealthy relationship, but this isn't necessarily true," said the Chair of the Online Dating & Discovery Association. "Sleeping in separate beds as a couple can be a liberating experience and allows each person to have their own space.
"When couples have separate beds, they can make their own choices regarding sleeping habits, such as preferences around temperature, bedding, and sleeping routines. It can lead to much better sleep quality for both people, which can positively impact all areas of their lives, including the quality of their relationship together."
© Getty ImagesHow does sleeping next to someone impact your health?
Increased risk of infection
Sharing a bed with someone who has an infectious illness can increase your risk of getting sick. For example, if your partner has a cold or the flu, you are more likely to catch it if you share a bed.
Allergies
Sharing a bed can exacerbate allergy symptoms. Dust mites, pet dander and other allergens can accumulate in bedding and trigger allergic reactions. Princess Kate is said to suffer from hay fever, so her own bed could soothe her allergies.
© GettyPoor sleep posture
Sharing a bed may also contribute to poor sleep posture. Sleeping in a position that puts strain on the neck or spine can lead to chronic pain and discomfort.
Sleep comments
In 2024, William seemed to debunk the myth, hinting that they not only shared a bed at their former four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage home, but they are also joined by a third member of the family - their dog, Orla. The father-of-three paid a visit to Duchy College Stoke Climsland, where he spoke to Louise Harland and met with her dog, Jacks.
Louise later said on Hits Radio Cornwall: "[William] said that his little dog sleeps on the bed with them at night, with him and Kate."
