Inside Prince William and Kate Middleton’s ‘Forever Home,’ Forest Lodge

**Prince and Princess of Wales Settle into New Royal Residence in Windsor**

The Prince and Princess of Wales have made a significant move to a new home in Windsor Great Park, after previously residing at Adelaide Cottage. The couple, consisting of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, relocated to Forest Lodge in November 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter for their family.

The royal family has signed a 20-year lease for their spacious eight-bedroom residence, which comes with a hefty annual rent of $411,435. This amount reflects a considerable increase compared to the rent paid by the previous tenant, indicating the property’s esteemed position within the royal estate. The couple has opted to pay market rent, rather than utilising public funds for their housing expenses.

Located within the expansive 4,800-acre Windsor Great Park, Forest Lodge is situated just a short distance of four miles from their prior home, Adelaide Cottage. Originally constructed in the 1770s and known as Holly Grove, the lodge has a rich history, having served as the official residence for the deputy ranger of Windsor Great Park after being purchased by the Crown Estate in 1829.

The decision to relocate comes after a challenging few years for the family, notably marked by the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and the cancer diagnoses of both King Charles and Kate Middleton. Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, who has chronicled the lives of the royals, commented on the family’s need for a fresh start, acknowledging the emotional weight carried from their previous residence. “Adelaide Cottage was a place of pain, suffering and sadness. After such rough times, it’s perfectly understandable they would want a new place,” she stated.

The move to Forest Lodge has allowed the family to focus on creating new memories together. Accompanying the younger royals – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis – to their new residence affirms the couple’s aim to build a nurturing environment for their children. The relocation coincided with the children’s half-term break from Lambrook School, making the transition more seamless.

Forest Lodge, which boasts a range of impressive amenities, significantly surpasses the dimensions of their previous home. Alongside its eight bedrooms, the lodge features a ballroom, tennis court, and a pond, in addition to its historic charm represented by six chimneys and nine bay windows. Earlier renovations, estimated at around $2 million in 2001, modernised the home while retaining its Georgian architecture. Recent permissions granted in 2025 also allow for minor alterations, further enhancing the lodge to fit the family’s needs.

The estimated market value of Forest Lodge stands around £16 million, or roughly $21 million. Despite the high rent and upkeep, the absence of live-in staff suggests that the couple is keen on maintaining a balanced domestic life, focusing on their children rather than on traditional royal protocols associated with household management.

Looking forward, Prince William and Kate have articulated their intention to remain at Forest Lodge even as William steps into the role of king in the future. This decision marks a notable shift from traditional royal residences, as British monarchs typically reside at Bucking Palace. However, King Charles has similarly chosen to make Clarence House his home while significant renovations are ongoing at Buckingham Palace.

As they begin this new chapter, the Prince and Princess of Wales are committed to providing a stable environment for their children, ensuring they grow up away from the heavy public scrutiny that often accompanies royal life. Through their choice of residence, they hope to foster a sense of normalcy amidst the expectations that come with their titles.

In the face of numerous challenges, the family appears determined to navigate through their royal duties while cherishing the private moments that remain vital to their collective well-being. This new home may indeed offer the sanctuary they seek as they embark on their journey as the future of the British monarchy.