Prince William and Kate Middleton are preparing for another significant move within Windsor. After three years at Adelaide Cottage, the Wales family is relocating to Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom property in Windsor Great Park.
The royal couple plans to make Forest Lodge their permanent family home, viewing it as a fresh start after challenging times including Kate’s cancer diagnosis and treatment. The move represents more than just a change of address for the family of five.
This relocation will impact their children’s daily lives and highlights the ongoing evolution of how modern royals balance public duties with private family life. The decision also reflects the growing importance of Windsor as a base for the future King and Queen.
Overview of William and Kate’s Move to Windsor
Prince William and Princess Kate are relocating their family from Adelaide Cottage to Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park by Christmas 2025. The move represents a fresh start after challenging years that included Kate’s cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Announcement and Timeline
The Wales family plans to complete their move to Forest Lodge by Christmas 2025. They will transition from their current four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage to an eight-bedroom property in Windsor Great Park.
The family has lived at Adelaide Cottage since August 2022. They originally moved from Kensington Palace to Windsor to provide more privacy for their children.
Key Timeline:
- August 2022: Moved to Adelaide Cottage
- August 2025: Move announcement
- December 2025: Target completion date
Planning applications for Forest Lodge show permission was granted for minor alterations. The changes include window removal and fireplace modifications.
The family will pay market rent for the property privately. No public funding through the Sovereign Grant will support the move.
Motivations for Relocating
The Wales family seeks a fresh start after difficult years. Kate’s cancer diagnosis and treatment created challenging memories at Adelaide Cottage.
“Moving gives them an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter,” a royal source explained. The family wants to leave unhappy memories behind.
Forest Lodge offers more space with eight bedrooms compared to four at Adelaide Cottage. The property sits in the heart of Windsor Great Park’s 4,800 acres.
Primary motivations include:
- Creating new happy memories
- Moving past difficult health challenges
- Establishing their “forever home”
- Maintaining privacy without live-in staff
Kate values nature as her “sanctuary” after her cancer treatment. The park setting aligns with her belief in nature’s healing power.
Statement from Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace has not released an official public statement about the move. Information comes from royal sources speaking to media outlets.
The palace typically maintains privacy around the family’s personal living arrangements. Their offices will remain at Kensington Palace despite the Windsor relocation.
Sources indicate the family views Forest Lodge as their permanent residence. They plan to live there when William and Kate become King and Queen.
The family will continue using Anmer Hall in Norfolk for school holidays. This maintains their established pattern of multiple residences.
About Forest Lodge: The New Windsor Home
Forest Lodge is an eight-bedroom mansion in Windsor Great Park worth £16 million that dates back 328 years. The Grade II listed property features original architectural details and extensive grounds with multiple amenities.
History and Architectural Features
Forest Lodge was built 328 years ago and was previously known as Holly Grove. The property received its Grade II listing in 1972, protecting its historical significance.
The mansion is constructed from red Flemish bond brick. It features the original slate roof in several sections and includes cellars beneath the main structure.
The building has nine bay windows throughout the property. Original cornicing and stucco details remain intact from its initial construction.
The grand entrance features Venetian windows in arched recesses on both sides. Inside, visitors enter through a barrel-vaulted ceiling entrance hall that opens into the main drawing room.
The property sits on extensive grounds within Windsor Great Park. It includes three stables, two guest houses converted from old garages, additional cottages, new garages, a large pond, gardens, and a tennis court.
Renovation Plans and Funding
William and Kate have already submitted planning applications to renovate Forest Lodge. The couple will pay for all renovation costs themselves without using taxpayer money.
The renovations will update the 328-year-old property while preserving its Grade II listed status. Specific renovation details have not been publicly disclosed.
The property was previously available for rent at £15,000 per month in 2001. Current renovations aim to make it suitable as the family’s permanent residence.
Living Arrangements and Staff
The family plans to continue without live-in staff at Forest Lodge. This matches their current arrangement at Adelaide Cottage where they handle daily tasks independently.
The eight bedrooms provide more space for the family of five. The additional rooms will accommodate overnight guests and provide working areas for royal duties.
William and Kate want to use the property for official meetings and entertaining. Their current four-bedroom cottage cannot handle these requirements effectively.
The family dog Orla will move with them to the new property. William has mentioned that Orla sleeps in their bed at night.
Comparison to Previous Residences
Adelaide Cottage has four bedrooms compared to Forest Lodge’s eight bedrooms. The cottage became too small for the family’s needs and official duties.
Forest Lodge is located 10 minutes closer to Lambrook School than Adelaide Cottage. This shorter distance will make daily school runs easier for William and Kate.
The family will keep their other properties including Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace and Anmer Hall in Norfolk. Forest Lodge will serve as their main residence and “forever home.”
The new property offers significantly more entertaining space and guest accommodations. It provides the working facilities that Adelaide Cottage lacks for official royal functions.
Impact on the Wales Family
The move to Forest Lodge represents a major shift for Prince William and Princess Kate’s three children. The change offers more space and stability while keeping them close to their current school.
Benefits for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis
The eight-bedroom Forest Lodge provides much more room than their current four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage. Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, will each have their own spaces to grow and develop.
The larger home allows for better privacy and security. The children can play and study without the space constraints they face now.
Forest Lodge sits within Windsor Great Park, giving the Wales family access to extensive grounds. The children can explore nature and enjoy outdoor activities right outside their door.
The property offers a more permanent base for the family. William and Kate plan to stay there even after he becomes king, providing long-term stability for their children’s upbringing.
Proximity to Lambrook School
Forest Lodge keeps the Wales children close to Lambrook School, where they currently study. The location means no major changes to their daily school routine.
The short distance helps maintain their friendships and activities. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis can continue their education without disruption.
The Windsor area location supports their school community involvement. The family can easily attend school events and maintain relationships with other parents.
New Chapter After Recent Challenges
The Wales family has faced difficult years since Queen Elizabeth’s death and King Charles’s health issues. The move to Forest Lodge marks a fresh start for the household.
The larger space provides room for the family to heal and grow together. Each family member gains more personal space while staying connected.
The permanent nature of this move offers security during uncertain times. The children know this will be their long-term home, creating stability during royal transitions.
The Significance of Windsor as a Royal Residence
Windsor stands as one of the most important royal locations in British history. The area combines centuries of royal tradition with modern royal family life, making it a natural choice for William and Kate’s permanent home.
Relationship to Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle serves as the oldest occupied castle in the world. The fortress has been home to British royals for over 900 years.
Queen Elizabeth II spent her final years primarily at Windsor Castle. She moved there during the pandemic in 2020 and remained until her death in 2022.
The castle sits on 13 acres in the town of Windsor. It contains the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, and private royal residences.
Key royal events at Windsor Castle:
- Royal weddings including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
- State banquets and official ceremonies
- Easter court celebrations
- Weekend retreats for the royal family
The castle represents the working heart of the monarchy. It hosts foreign dignitaries and serves as an official royal residence.
Windsor Home Park Estate and Surroundings
Windsor Great Park covers 4,800 acres of countryside. The park extends south of Windsor Castle and includes forests, gardens, and lakes.
Adelaide Cottage sits within this estate. William and Kate lived there since 2022 before deciding to move to Forest Lodge.
The estate offers privacy and security for royal families. High walls and gates protect residents from public view.
Estate features include:
- Private roads and pathways
- Polo fields and riding trails
- The Long Walk stretching 2.6 miles
- Virginia Water lake
Forest Lodge sits deeper within Windsor Great Park. This location provides even greater privacy than Adelaide Cottage.
The area connects easily to London while maintaining a countryside feel. Royal children can grow up away from city pressures.
Royal Tradition and Family Legacy
Windsor represents continuity in the British monarchy. Multiple generations of royals have called this area home.
Queen Elizabeth II chose Windsor as her primary residence in later years. She found comfort and familiarity in the historic surroundings.
The location allows royal children normal upbinging opportunities. They can attend local schools like Lambrook School nearby.
Royal families who lived at Windsor:
- Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
- King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother)
- Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
- Now William and Kate with their children
Prince William grew up visiting Windsor regularly. The area holds childhood memories and family connections for him.
Kate has embraced Windsor life since moving there. The family participates in local community events and school activities.
The choice of Forest Lodge as their “forever home” shows William and Kate’s commitment to Windsor. They plan to remain there even after William becomes king.
Reflecting on Previous Homes and Their Roles
William and Kate have lived in three main residences over the years, each serving different purposes in their royal life. Adelaide Cottage became their Windsor base in 2022, while Kensington Palace remained their London headquarters and Anmer Hall provided their Norfolk retreat.
Life at Adelaide Cottage
William and Kate moved to Adelaide Cottage in 2022 with their three children. The four-bedroom home sits in Windsor Home Park.
This move marked a big change from their London life at Kensington Palace. The cottage gave them more privacy and a quieter setting for their family.
Key features of their Adelaide Cottage life:
- More modest living compared to palace apartments
- Close to Lambrook School where the children study
- Testing ground for life in Berkshire
- Away from central London crowds
The family faced tough times during their three years at Adelaide Cottage. Queen Elizabeth died in 2022. King Charles got cancer. Kate also had cancer treatment.
Despite these challenges, the cottage served its purpose. It let them try living in Windsor before making a bigger move. The home was smaller but gave them the family life they wanted.
Kensington Palace as the London Base
Kensington Palace served as William and Kate’s main home before 2022. They lived in apartments within the historic palace complex.
The palace location put them in central London. This made it easy to attend royal events and meetings. They could walk to many official duties.
Palace advantages included:
- Close to royal events
- Easy access to London meetings
- Staff support nearby
- Historic royal setting
Living at the palace meant less privacy though. Tourists and media were always around. The children had less space to play outside.
The palace remains important for their royal work. They still use it for official business and London events.
Anmer Hall and Norfolk Connections
Anmer Hall sits on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. The Queen gave William and Kate this country home as a wedding gift in 2011.
The Georgian house has ten bedrooms. It sits on several acres of private land. This gives the family complete privacy when they visit.
Anmer Hall benefits:
- Private family retreat
- Large grounds for children
- Away from public attention
- Traditional country setting
The family spent more time at Anmer Hall during the early years of their marriage. William worked as an air ambulance pilot in Norfolk then.
Now they use it mainly for holidays and breaks. The Norfolk location keeps it as their true private escape. No photographers or crowds can reach them there.
The house links them to royal tradition too. The Sandringham Estate has been a royal retreat for many generations.
Wider Context: The Royal Family and Future Plans
William and Kate’s move to Forest Lodge reflects their preparation for eventual roles as monarchs, while King Charles’s reign brings new stability after recent family health challenges that have reshaped royal duties and property arrangements.
William and Kate’s Role as Prince and Princess of Wales
The Prince and Princess of Wales are positioning themselves for their future roles as King and Queen. Their move to Forest Lodge represents a long-term strategy rather than a temporary arrangement.
William currently receives income from the Duchy of Cornwall, which generated £22.9 million in profit this year. This financial foundation supports their growing responsibilities as senior royals.
Kate has taken on more prominent duties since becoming Princess of Wales. She has focused on early childhood development and mental health initiatives. Her recent cancer treatment has shaped her advocacy for health awareness.
The couple’s decision to maintain their offices at Kensington Palace shows their commitment to royal duties. They balance public service with raising their three children: George, Charlotte, and Louis.
Influence of King Charles and Recent Family Events
King Charles’s reign has brought changes to royal family dynamics. His focus on a streamlined monarchy affects how properties are used and allocated.
The family has faced significant health challenges recently. Kate’s cancer diagnosis and treatment influenced their decision to seek a fresh start at Forest Lodge.
Key royal events continue as planned:
- Trooping the Colour ceremonies
- State visits and official engagements
- Charitable patronages and public appearances
Charles has maintained stability during these personal challenges. The Crown Estate continues to support royal properties and functions across the monarchy.
Implications for Royal Properties
The royal family manages multiple properties through different funding sources. William and Kate will pay market rent for Forest Lodge, avoiding public funding through the Sovereign Grant.
Current royal property arrangements:
- Forest Lodge: Private rental (£15,000 monthly market rate)
- Adelaide Cottage: Current Windsor residence
- Anmer Hall: Norfolk holiday home
- Kensington Palace: London offices
The Crown Estate oversees many royal properties. Buckingham Palace remains the monarch’s official London residence under King Charles.
Forest Lodge underwent £1.5 million renovations in 2001. Recent planning permits allow minor alterations for the family’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prince William and Kate’s move to Forest Lodge represents their desire for a permanent family base after challenging years. The eight-bedroom property will serve as their main residence even after William becomes king.
What is the reason behind the decision for Prince William and Kate to relocate to Windsor?
The royal couple wants a fresh start after three difficult years at Adelaide Cottage. They faced Queen Elizabeth’s death, King Charles’s cancer diagnosis, and Kate’s own cancer treatment during this time.
The family hopes the move will help them create new happy memories together. They view Forest Lodge as their “forever home” where they can establish long-term stability.
Which property in Windsor are the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge expected to call their new home?
Forest Lodge is an eight-bedroom Georgian mansion in Windsor Great Park. The 328-year-old property sits on 4,800 acres and is worth about £16 million.
The red-brick home features marble fireplaces and a barrel-vaulted ceiling. It offers spectacular views, and William can see the Wembley Arch from his bedroom window.
The King owns the property as part of the Crown Estate. It was last renovated in 2001 for £1.5 million.
How will the move to Windsor affect Prince William and Kate’s royal duties and engagements?
The new home is only four miles from their current Adelaide Cottage residence. This close distance means minimal impact on their royal work schedule.
Forest Lodge will remain their main home even after William becomes king. The location allows easy access to London for official duties while providing family privacy.
Are there any implications of their move on the children’s education and upbringing?
George, Charlotte, and Louis already attend Lambroke School near their current Windsor home. The short distance to Forest Lodge means no school changes are needed.
The move was partly a test of life in Berkshire after leaving Kensington Palace in 2022. The children have already adjusted to the Windsor area lifestyle.
Have Prince William and Kate expressed any particular goals or intentions with their move to Windsor?
The couple calls Forest Lodge their “forever home” where they plan to stay permanently. They want to create lasting happy memories as a family in this new space.
William and Kate are funding all renovation work themselves. This includes replacing doors and windows plus updating internal walls and ceilings.
How does the relocating to Windsor fit into the broader context of royal residence traditions?
The move continues the royal family’s connection to Windsor, which has been a royal residence for centuries. Windsor Castle remains one of the monarchy’s most important homes.
Forest Lodge offers the family privacy while keeping them close to official royal duties. The property balances personal family life with public royal responsibilities.
