After a tough few years filled with personal challenges and emotional moments, the Prince and Princess of Wales are ready for a new beginning — and they’re hoping to make that move just in time for Bonfire Night.
William and Kate have been eager to give their family a fresh chapter, and now, after months of planning and renovation, their long-awaited move from Adelaide Cottage to Forest Lodge in Windsor is finally about to happen.
Moving Sooner Than Expected
Originally, the royal couple had planned to settle into their new home by Christmas.
But thanks to builders working tirelessly around the clock, it seems that plan has been fast-tracked.
Sources close to the family say the move is now “imminent,” with hopes that the Wales family will be comfortably settled by November 5, just in time for Bonfire Night — a date that promises to bring some sparkle and excitement for their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
“A fun start for the children,” one insider told the Daily Mail, adding that the family is thrilled to finally begin this new chapter.
A Home with Space, Privacy, and Security
Forest Lodge, a beautiful eight-bedroom Georgian mansion, sits on 150 acres of land within the Windsor estate.
The property now falls under a newly approved Home Office security cordon, ensuring the family’s safety and privacy.
In line with the couple’s wishes for a more family-focused and down-to-earth lifestyle, there will be no live-in staff at the new home.
Instead, employees will stay in nearby properties within Windsor Great Park.
The Wales family has funded the move and renovation themselves, and they’ll be paying market rent to the Crown Estate — a sign of their ongoing commitment to maintaining financial transparency as senior working royals.
Leaving Behind Difficult Memories at Adelaide Cottage
While Adelaide Cottage has been their home since 2022, it carries a mixture of happy and heartbreaking memories.
The family relocated there from Kensington Palace to give their children a quieter, countryside upbringing and to be closer to Queen Elizabeth II — but the Queen passed away just weeks after their move.
That marked the beginning of a turbulent period for William and Kate.
Soon after, the couple faced a wave of family tension following the release of Prince Harry and Meghan’s Netflix docuseries and later, Harry’s memoir Spare, both of which included personal criticisms of the Waleses.
Then came an even greater test — both Princess Kate and King Charles III were diagnosed with cancer last year.
While the King continues treatment, Kate has since completed her preventative chemotherapy and is now in remission.
Kate’s Healing Journey and a Renewed Focus on Family
William has openly described those months as “brutal,” balancing his royal duties while supporting his wife and protecting their children.
Yet through it all, the experience has only strengthened their family bond.
Friends say Kate’s recovery has given her a renewed sense of purpose — to put her family first and create a loving, stable environment for her children as they grow up in the public eye.
“Adelaide Cottage really does have some difficult memories associated with it,” a royal source said.
“They’ve been through some of their toughest times there, so this move really feels like a fresh start.”
Kate’s Passion Project: Designing the Family’s “Forever Home”
For the Princess of Wales, the move has been more than just logistical — it’s been a creative passion project.
Kate has reportedly taken a personal hand in the interior design of Forest Lodge, sourcing much of the furniture and décor from British suppliers.
She recently visited Marina Mill in Kent, where she tried her hand at textile printing and explored locally made fabrics.
“It’s been quite a fun process for her,” a source shared.
“She loves design and is passionate about supporting the British textiles industry.”
The couple sees Forest Lodge as their “forever home,” and according to palace insiders, they intend to remain there even when they eventually ascend to the throne — breaking from recent royal tradition.
A Historic Home for a Modern Royal Family
Built 328 years ago, the Grade-II listed property has undergone careful restoration, including new doors and windows, refinished floors, and restored ceilings.
The last major renovation took place in 2001 at a cost of £1.5 million, but this latest update has been described as “modest but thoughtful.”
Now, with renovations complete, the Wales family can finally look forward to settling in — surrounded by peace, privacy, and a sense of renewal.
A New Chapter for the Future King and Queen
For William and Kate, the move to Forest Lodge isn’t just about a change of address — it’s about closing one chapter and starting another.
As they balance the demands of royal life with raising three young children, the couple’s decision reflects their ongoing desire to stay grounded and focused on what truly matters: family, stability, and the future of the monarchy.
And if all goes as planned, that new beginning will be marked not by royal ceremony — but by fireworks lighting up the Windsor sky this Bonfire Night.