Seeking more privacy and a fresh start for their family, the Prince and Princess of Wales have relocated to the magnificent Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park.
The Georgian mansion, listed as Grade II, is nearly double the size of their previous residence, Adelaide Cottage, giving them plenty of space to settle in with Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7.
The move, which took place in early November, also allows the couple to step away from “difficult memories” associated with past homes, while offering Kate a substantial interior design project to make her own.
A Glimpse Inside the Redesigned Interiors
Prince William offered a sneak peek of their new surroundings while filming a video for Armistice Day.
In the clip, the future King was positioned in front of two grand paintings, a large door with intricate gold detailing, and striking crimson curtains — all hints of Kate’s “contemporary classic” style already evident in the mansion.
Interior design expert Benji Lewis described the atmosphere as “tastefully discreet” yet practical for children.
“The rooms feel spacious and airy, with high ceilings and tall windows that let natural light flood in,” he said.
Clever touches, like Perspex plates on doors, prevent little fingers from damaging the pristine paintwork, while artwork is displayed in a smart, understated way.
Kate’s Personal Touch and Attention to Detail
The Princess of Wales has reportedly adorned Forest Lodge with luxurious fabrics from Marina Mill, a handcraft specialist known for supplying royal residences like Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, and Highgrove.
Some fabrics cost upwards of £100 a metre, reflecting Kate’s keen eye for detail and commitment to quality.
Her flair for entertaining is also evident: she has been spotted choosing a 24-seater antique dining table, suggesting the couple plan to host dinner parties in their new home.
According to Lewis, Kate likely drives much of the design work herself, balancing research and planning as a creative outlet amid her royal duties.
Reflections on Grandeur
Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, also touches on William and Kate’s appreciation for opulence, recalling the couple’s former Kensington Palace apartment.
Harry described it as “magnificent” and admitted he and Meghan felt a little embarrassed by their own modest Nottingham Cottage living arrangements.
He highlighted the apartment’s wallpaper, ceiling trim, walnut bookshelves, and priceless artwork, comparing it to a museum.
Apartment 1A, their London base until 2022, featured 20 rooms and underwent a £4.5 million refurbishment funded by taxpayers in 2016, though the couple paid for fixtures and furnishings themselves.
Renovations and Future Plans at Forest Lodge
Forest Lodge, a 328-year-old mansion with six bathrooms, has already seen modest renovations, including new doors, windows, flooring, stripped walls, and renovated ceilings.
The last major refurbishment in 2001 cost £1.5 million.
The Waleses are covering their own renovation expenses and will pay market rent to the Crown Estate.
Given their previous projects, like moving the kitchen to the centre of Anmer Hall on the Sandringham Estate, it is possible Kate and William will make structural changes to suit family life and entertaining.
The mansion’s spacious layout and elegant Georgian architecture provide a perfect canvas for both luxury and practicality.
A Home Designed for Family and Privacy
From breezy, sunlit rooms to carefully curated fabrics and furnishings, Forest Lodge seems set to become a warm, stylish, and functional home for the growing family.
While Kate channels her interior design passion, William balances his public duties, and the children enjoy the space to grow — all under the watchful eyes of a property steeped in history and royal charm.
The move marks a new chapter for the family, blending privacy, comfort, and Kate’s unmistakable touch of elegance in a home that feels both timeless and personal.