After a challenging few years marked by personal and royal upheavals, the Prince and Princess of Wales are ready for a fresh chapter, one rooted in the tranquillity of Berkshire countryside.
Prince William and Kate Middleton are moving into the historic Forest Lodge, an elegant eight-bedroom Georgian residence set within Windsor Great Park.
The royal couple, along with their three children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, are expected to settle into their new home later this year, just in time for their first Christmas there.
“Forever home” talk isn’t just speculation. The move marks a significant step for the family—possibly their last before William ascends the throne.
A Royal Address Fit for the Future
The 328-year-old Forest Lodge, just four miles from their current home at Adelaide Cottage, is steeped in heritage. Nestled within the 4,800-acre Windsor Great Park, it offers both privacy and prestige.
Though owned by the King as part of the Crown Estate, if placed on the open market, the red-brick Georgian manor could fetch up to £16 million. Forest Lodge has been Grade II listed since 1972 and boasts classic period features, including:
- Venetian windows
- Ornate stucco mouldings
- Barrel-vaulted hallways
- Marble fireplaces
Last renovated in 2001 for £1.5 million, the property was once leased at £15,000 a month. One striking detail? From his bedroom, Prince William can reportedly glimpse the iconic Wembley Arch—perfect for a football-loving royal.
A planning application submitted in June outlined plans for modest internal and external renovations. Approved by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead this month, the proposed updates include:
- Replacing doors and windows
- Renovating ceilings
- Updating some floors
- Removing internal walls
Despite being a royal residence, the upgrades will be privately funded by the couple. This decision likely reflects sensitivity around public spending, especially after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were asked to repay £2.4 million for Frogmore Cottage renovations post their move to the US.
A Move Rooted in Renewal
Back in 2022, William and Kate left the bustle of central London’s Kensington Palace for the quieter four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage, also in Windsor. The transition was reportedly a trial run for life in the Berkshire countryside, where the children are now enrolled at Lambrook School.
However, the past three years have been anything but calm. The Queen’s passing, King Charles’s cancer diagnosis, and Kate’s own cancer treatment have cast long shadows over family life.
Now, Forest Lodge offers more than space. It represents stability. “They’re seeking a fresh start and a place to build new memories,” a source revealed.
The relocation is more than just a house move. It’s symbolic of their shifting role within the monarchy and as a family. Forest Lodge may very well remain their home even after William takes the crown.
From royal duties to school runs, Windsor’s green expanse will serve as a serene backdrop to a new era for the Waleses.
