Princess Kate was ‘nervous’ before agreeing to attend 24-hour techno party with security
The Princess was reportedly reluctant to head down to a party at Houghton Hall Festival in the Norfolk countryside but eventually agreed, reports claim.
Kate, Princess of Wales, allegedly felt “nervous” before making a rare appearance at an electronic music festival and discussed attending with protection officers, a source has claimed.
Princess Kate was spotted at the 24-hour party – Houghton Hall Festival – in the Norfolk countryside over the weekend.
She had been dining with close friends on Saturday, the Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley, David Cholmondeley and Rose Hanbury, who own the Houghton Hall estate.
After the meal, her friends reportedly suggested the group head down to the 12,000-strong rave in the field taking place on the 1,000-acre estate.
The Princess was reportedly reluctant and “nervous” at first but eventually agreed to head down.
Kate Middleton was spotted at a rave (Image: GETTY )
A source told the Daily Mail: “After dinner, one of the guests suggested that Catherine go to the festival.
“Catherine was nervous about the idea, but, after much discussion with her protection officers, she went with lots of security. William wasn’t there.”
The festival was launched in 2017 by DJ Craig Richards and it is the country’s only 24-hour music festival, with over 12,000 ravers attending.
Houghton Hall was built in the 1720s for Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, of whom David is a direct descendant.
Kate was visiting friends who own the Houghton Hall estate (Image: Twitter)
Rather than frequent the festival food trucks, the Princess opted to dine at the Turntable & Napkin restaurant, where a four-course meal costs £60.
According to the Daily Mail the royal was a generous customer at the restaurant, leaving a £700 tip for staff after the meal.
The London Evening Standard reported: “[Catherine] was in high spirits, ordering spicy margaritas, eating affogato, and speaking affably with the other members of her party.
“Her companions apparently carted in a huge, balthazar-sized bottle of AIX rosé and, together with Kate, left the festival restaurant staff a £700 tip.”
It is not known why the Prince of Wales did not accompany his wife, although he may have been looking after their three children at their nearby Norfolk home Anmer Hall.
They retreat to Anmer Hall when they have a break, where they can enjoy being in the countryside with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Their Norfolk home was a gift from the late Queen Elizabeth II after their royal wedding in April 2011.
