**Prince William and Kate Middleton Bid Farewell to Adelaide Cottage After Three Years**
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Adelaide Cottage, a historic royal residence nestled within the picturesque Windsor Great Park, served as the home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, for over three years. In late 2025, the couple made the decision to relocate to Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom property also situated in the expansive grounds of Windsor Great Park.
Originally constructed in 1831, Adelaide Cottage was not intended as a permanent residence but rather as a royal retreat. The quaint four-bedroom abode is a mere half-mile away from Windsor Castle, the long-standing home of Queen Elizabeth II. Following their transition from Kensington Palace in London, the couple began their chapter at the cottage in the summer of 2022. A close friend of the family revealed to PEOPLE that the move allowed the couple to immerse themselves in a smaller, close-knit community. They appreciated the opportunity for their children to enjoy a more natural environment, cycling freely around the estate.
The story of Adelaide Cottage is as rich as its architecture, designed by architect Sir Jeffry Wyatville. The cottage was originally a keeper’s lodge, but after modification at the behest of King William IV, it was transformed into a summer residence for his wife, Queen Adelaide. The cottage’s unique name pays homage to the Queen, and its construction utilised materials from the Royal Lodge, which had been partly demolished. Notably, Wyatville also contributed to the enhancements of Windsor Castle during the same period, adding to the legacy of this charming property.
Queen Victoria, a notable resident of the cottage, frequently visited for tea or breakfast, underscoring her fondness for the retreat. She even had her beloved spaniel, Dash, buried on the premises, with a marble effigy marking the spot. The inscription poignantly captures the bond between the two, stating, “His attachment was without selfishness.” Another famous inhabitant of Adelaide Cottage was Group Captain Peter Townsend, who famously dated Princess Margaret in the 1950s.
As a residence, Adelaide Cottage features distinctive charm, with ornate decor in its main bedroom, highlighted by gilded dolphins and rope ornamentation from the HMY Royal George. Set within a delightful landscape, the cottage provides a tranquil atmosphere away from the public eye. It is worth noting that while the cottage’s grounds include an abandoned lodge, the current state of the property has made it rarely photographed.
Moving to the cottage in 2022 was a significant step for Prince William and Kate, who made the decision with their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—in mind. At a St. Patrick’s Day parade in March 2025, Princess Kate spoke about their desire to connect with nature, stating, “We moved there for more green space.” This sentiment echoed Prince William’s wish to remain close to his grandmother in her final months.
Their time at Adelaide Cottage was marked by the joy of newfound privacy as well as the heartbreak of loss. Queen Elizabeth passed away in September 2022, a turning point in the royal family’s history. In light of these significant personal developments, including Kate’s cancer diagnosis, the decision to leave Adelaide Cottage was understood as a farewell to a space associated with both cherished moments and deep sorrow.
In December 2025, royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith reflected on this transition, indicating that Adelaide Cottage had become a “place of pain, suffering and sadness,” further underscoring the couple’s need for a fresh start after navigating through turbulent times. Historian Amanda Foreman added that their move to Forest Lodge symbolised a shift in lifestyle, emphasising family-oriented priorities.
Current reports note that the couple has signed a 20-year lease on Forest Lodge, suggesting a stable future for the family as they prepare for their roles within the royal framework. As Prince William approaches his eventual accession to the throne, living in a space that focuses more on nurturing their children appears to resonate with their evolving priorities.
The story of Adelaide Cottage is not merely about bricks and mortar; it speaks of a unique chapter in the lives of Prince William and Kate Middleton, encompassing both the joys of family life and the complexities of royal duty. Their move underlines a transition not only physically but also emotionally, reflecting their desire to forge a new path while honouring the legacy of their past.