Kate Middleton and Prince William are set to move into their new residence at Forest Lodge in Windsor, which is believed to be their “forever home” according to reports. The grand eight-bedroom mansion, which dates back to the 1770s, underwent renovations in 2001, showcasing stunning fireplaces, Venetian windows, and intricate ceiling decorations. The royal couple will be relocating with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, intending to make Forest Lodge their permanent abode, even when Prince William becomes the monarch.
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Despite the significant upgrade in size from their current four-bedroom home at Adelaide Cottage, Kate and William have decided to continue without live-in staff at Forest Lodge. The children’s nanny, Maria Turrion Borrallo, and housekeepers are expected to reside in smaller properties within the estate. Forest Lodge was originally purchased by the Crown Estate in the 1820s and served as the residence for the Deputy Ranger of Windsor Great Park until the 1930s. Rumours once circulated that Princess Anne and Mark Phillips might take up residence there in the 1970s, which never transpired.
The extensive renovation in 2001, costing $2 million, brought new life to Forest Lodge, which was subsequently put on the rental market for $20,000 per month. The property is reported to include amenities such as a tennis court, in line with the family’s active lifestyle, as they already have a court at their country estate in Norfolk, Anmer Hall. Their move to Windsor three years ago from Kensington Palace marked a strategic decision to provide more outdoor space for their growing family and strike a balance between royal duties and parenting.
Living in close proximity to Windsor also brings the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge nearer to Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, who are actively involved in their grandchildren’s lives. The move to Forest Lodge comes after a challenging period for the royal family, including the passing of Queen Elizabeth in 2022, Prince Charles ascending to the throne, and health battles with cancer for both Princess Kate and the King. With Kate now in remission, the relocation signifies a fresh start for the family as they settle into their new home before Christmas.
The royal couple will be renting Forest Lodge from the Crown Estate and covering the costs of renovations themselves. Prince William’s annual allocation from the Duchy of Cornwall estate, around $30 million, supports their financial arrangements. Their impending move has prompted adjacent households to relocate in preparation, with no evictions reported as all tenants have found alternative accommodations within the Great Park. The history of Forest Lodge raises the question of whether the residence has any resident spirits, with tales of royal homes, including Anmer Hall, being haunted adding to the intrigue.
As William and Kate transition into their new chapter at Forest Lodge, it symbolizes a blend of tradition and modernity for the royal family. Their commitment to hands-on parenting and preserving cherished family moments amidst their royal responsibilities echoes the values they aim to instill in their children. The serene surroundings of Forest Lodge provide a picturesque backdrop for the Cambridge family’s journey ahead, as they set out to create lasting memories and navigate the course of their royal duties with grace and poise.