Duke of Cambridge worked 'downstairs' at real-life Downton Abbey

The Duke of Cambridge donned his overalls when he worked at Chatsworth, according to the Head housekeeper Credit: PA

The Duke of Cambridge once spent two weeks working "downstairs" at a real-life Downton Abbey.

William donned workmen's overalls when he stayed for fortnight, living incognito and helping out as a joiner at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire in 2005.

Head housekeeper Christine Robinson, who has spent more than 40 years at the mansion, told of Prince William's stint of work experience in her book Chatsworth: The Housekeeper's Tale, the Sunday Express reported.

She recalled how he was spotted carrying planks of wood through the shop while dressed in workmen's clothes as he helped extend a theatre stage that was too short for a ballet performance.

"The look on visitors' faces was priceless, most obviously thought to themselves 'that joiner is the double of Prince William'," she said.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are fans of Downton Abbey, which is filmed at Highclere Castle in Berkshire Credit: PA

William and his wife the Duchess of Cambridge have admitted they are fans of the hit ITV period drama Downton Abbey, which is filmed at Highclere Castle in Newbury, Berkshire.