William and Kate have spent the past fortnight at Balmoral with baby George, enjoying "quality time" with the Queen, Prince Philip, Charles and Camilla, the Daily Express reported.
But as workmen put the finishing touches to the 1.5 million pounds renovations that lasted for two years, the couple are returning to London to start family life in their first "proper" home.
"They can't wait," a friend was quoted as saying by the daily.
Within days they will move into the four-storey 20-room apartment 1A, which once belonged to Princess Margaret, who died in 2002, the report said.
It has five reception rooms, three main bedrooms, dressing rooms and bathrooms, a night and day nursery, staff bedrooms and "ancillary rooms".
Plenty of room in other words for the pair's Italian housekeeper Antonella Fresolone, nanny Jessie Webb, and Kate's parents Michael and Carole or sister Pippa when they stay over to babysit.
Around 1 million pounds were spent to fit new wiring, remove asbestos and repair the roof of the Sir Christopher Wren-designed Clock Tower wing.
It is believed that the Queen gave Kate permission to choose priceless antiques from the Royal Collection to furnish her new home.
Kate, who has a history of art degree, has overseen the decorations herself and, encouraged by Prince Charles, has done without outside advice so that she can "stamp her personality" on the home.
She has been spotted shopping for fabrics in the upmarket Chelsea Design Centre, but has also been seen in department stores like Peter Jones in Sloane Square.
"It's a big task but Kate is confident in her own taste and style and knows what she wants," a friend said.
A modern kitchen has been installed, and an environmentally-friendly heating and hot water system.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
