After years of living at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, Prince William and Princess Kate are preparing for a big move.
The couple, along with their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—are planning to relocate before the year ends.
Their new home? The grand eight-bedroom Forest Lodge, a historic property tucked away inside Windsor Great Park.
From Modest Cottage to Majestic Lodge
Adelaide Cottage, where the Wales family has lived since 2022, was known for its charm but also its simplicity.
It offered privacy and a cozy four-bedroom setup, but it couldn’t compare to what awaits them at Forest Lodge.
With sprawling grounds, a tennis court, and even a chandelier-lit ballroom, the new residence is a major upgrade.
Forest Lodge isn’t just any home—it’s a Grade-II listed building that has stood for over three centuries.
The property underwent a £1.5 million renovation in 2001 and was once rented out for £15,000 a month.
Old photographs reveal its mix of grandeur and restoration challenges: Venetian windows, marble fireplaces, and ornate plaster ceilings alongside exposed wiring and ripped-up floors during refurbishment.
Why the Move Matters
This move marks more than just a change of address. The past few years have been tough for the Wales family.
They lost Queen Elizabeth II while living at Adelaide Cottage, and both Kate and King Charles faced cancer diagnoses.
According to insiders, moving into Forest Lodge represents a “fresh start”—a chance to leave behind painful memories and step into a brighter chapter.
Renovations Underway
Although the home already carries an air of elegance, renovations are currently being made to ensure it suits the family’s needs long-term.
Planning documents show internal and external updates, including fireplace work and the removal of a window.
Reports say William and Kate are covering the costs themselves and will also pay market rent for the property.
Around the house, preparations are clearly in motion—shrubs have been planted, builders have been busy, and privacy screens now surround the grounds.
Prince William, a football enthusiast, will even enjoy views of the Wembley Arch from his bedroom.
Neighbors Asked to Move
Not everyone, however, was expecting the royal relocation.
Two families who lived in cottages converted from Forest Lodge’s former stables have reportedly been asked to vacate.
Sources suggested they were “surprised” by the request but were rehoused in similar or better accommodation within the 4,800-acre park.
While no eviction notices were issued, it’s understood that their proximity to the royal residence made their relocation unavoidable.
Life in Windsor
The move is relatively short—just a step up from Adelaide Cottage—but it keeps the family rooted in Windsor, close to Lambrook School where George, Charlotte, and Louis are pupils.
It’s also conveniently located for Prince George’s next big step, with Eton College tipped as the likely choice for his secondary education, at a cost of over £63,000 a year.
Interestingly, despite the grandeur of their new home, the Waleses will reportedly continue without live-in staff, maintaining the more private and low-key family lifestyle they have embraced since leaving London.
A Home for Healing and Privacy
The decision to stay in Windsor reflects the couple’s desire to give their children a quieter, more normal upbringing.
Adelaide Cottage, while small by royal standards, was an important sanctuary—especially for Kate, who spent much of the past year recovering from chemotherapy in its peaceful surroundings.
Now, Forest Lodge offers not only space but also stability, as William and Kate prepare for their long-term future as the Prince and Princess of Wales—and eventually, King and Queen.
Official Word from the Palace
Confirming the news, a Kensington Palace spokesperson said simply: “The Wales family will move house later this year.”
