The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, are on the verge of relocating to a new residence in Berkshire known as Forest Lodge, situated within the scenic expanse of Windsor Great Park. This significant move places them not far from their current home, Adelaide Cottage, where they have been living since August 2022. The couple will be moving with their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, marking a new chapter in their family’s life.
Confirmation of this transition came from a spokesperson for Kensington Palace, who stated that the Wales family will indeed be moving house later this year. The choice of Forest Lodge, a substantial eight-bedroom property, appears to resonate with their lifestyle and commitment to maintaining proximity to both educational institutions and other royal duties, as their children currently attend Lambrook School, which is located nearby.
Additionally, William and Kate have other residences, including Anmer Hall in Norfolk and Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace, showcasing a lifestyle supported by various royal properties. Forest Lodge, which has undergone significant restoration work amounting to approximately £1.5 million in 2001, was made available for rent at £15,000 a month post-restoration. This property boasts elegant features such as original stonework and intricate plaster cornices, appealing to the couple’s taste for heritage and quality living.
The announcement of this relocation closely follows the annual release of royal finances, where Buckingham Palace disclosed various cost-saving measures. An important component of the financial situation is William’s role as the Duke of Cornwall, a title that provides him an income from the Duchy of Cornwall. This estate, primarily comprising lands in the south-west of England, is valued at around £1 billion. While the Duchy has generated a profit of £22.9 million, slightly decreasing from the previous year’s £24 million surplus, William enjoys the benefits of this income but is restricted from selling estate assets, which must be reinvested for long-term sustainability.
The decision for the Wales family to transition from Adelaide Cottage to Forest Lodge involves not just a change in location, but also a variety of minor renovations and adjustments. Recent planning applications submitted to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead highlighted permissions granted for changes, including minor external alterations such as the removal of a window and modifications to a fireplace, indicating their intention to personalize the home to suit their family’s needs.
Nestled amidst the 4,800-acre Windsor Great Park, Forest Lodge presents an appealing environment for the royal family. This move aligns with Catherine’s expressed appreciation for the natural world, as she has been known to advocate for the healing qualities of nature. Her previous remarks about nature being a sanctuary for her and her recent initiatives, such as the Mother Nature video series launched in May, underline their family’s dedication to the outdoor lifestyle, which they are evidently promoting for their children as well.
As they begin this new phase in their lives, the Prince and Princess of Wales are not only continuing their royal duties but are also focusing on cultivating a nurturing family environment. This transition to Forest Lodge allows them to blend their public roles with private family time, making it a significant step in their ongoing narrative as a modern royal family. Their future endeavors within this historic setting will likely reflect their commitments both as parents and as representatives of the royal institution.
