Prince William and Princess Kate are preparing to move their family into a grand new residence in Windsor Great Park, believed to be their “forever home.”
After three years at Adelaide Cottage, a modest four-bedroom property by royal standards, the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children—Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven—will soon relocate to Forest Lodge, a historic eight-bedroom mansion worth about £16 million.
A Historic Upgrade
Built over 300 years ago, Forest Lodge is a Grade II-listed property filled with original features. Once known as Holly Grove, it was listed in 1972 and previously rented for £15,000 a month in 2001.
The estate includes stables, guest houses, a tennis court, a large pond, and sweeping gardens. The couple has reportedly already applied for planning permission to renovate the home and will personally cover the costs, ensuring taxpayers aren’t footing the bill.
A Kensington Palace insider explained that while William and Kate “love” Adelaide Cottage, it had become “too small” for their growing family. With no live-in staff and limited space for visitors, offices, or gatherings, the four-bedroom residence no longer met their needs. “William and Kate love the cottage but it’s just too small for them,” the source said.
A Fresh Start for the Wales Family
Moving to Forest Lodge is about more than just space. According to The Sun, the couple also views it as a chance to move forward from a difficult few years. “Moving gives them an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter; an opportunity to leave some of the more unhappy memories behind. This is a move for the long-term. They see it as their forever home.”
Forest Lodge’s location also offers convenience. It is ten minutes closer to Lambrook School, where all three Wales children study, making it easier for William and Kate—known for being hands-on parents—to manage the school run.
Life at Forest Lodge
The mansion, with its Flemish bond brick, slate roof, bay windows, cornicing, and grand barrel-vaulted entrance hall, will provide the space the family has been hoping for. While they intend to remain without live-in staff, the new property will give them room to host meetings, overnight guests, and the children’s friends.
The family dog, a black cocker spaniel named Orla, will also join them at their new home. William once admitted that Orla often sneaks onto the couple’s bed, joking during a royal visit that the pup’s presence sometimes makes sleeping arrangements a little cozy.
Other Royal Residences
Despite the move, William and Kate will retain their other homes: Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace and Anmer Hall in Norfolk, where they often spend school holidays. Still, their focus now appears firmly on Windsor, with Forest Lodge marking what they hope will be a lasting base for the next chapter of their lives.
