Royal news reports that Prince William and Princess Kate have announced they’re moving their family to Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom Georgian mansion in Windsor Great Park. The Wales family, including 12-year-old Prince George, 10-year-old Princess Charlotte, and 7-year-old Prince Louis, will relocate from Adelaide Cottage by Christmas 2025.
The move comes after a difficult period for the family. In interviews last year, Prince William described 2024 as “brutal” and “the hardest year in my life,” referencing cancer diagnoses for both the Princess of Wales and King Charles III. In January 2025, Kate said her treatment ended and her cancer went into remission. She explained that the months after chemotherapy were among the most challenging, describing how she often felt the need to put on a “brave face” even when recovery proved “really difficult.
“Windsor has become their home. However, over the last few years while they have lived at Adelaide Cottage there have been some really difficult times,” a Royal source told the BBC. “Moving gives them an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter, an opportunity to leave some of the more unhappy memories behind.”
King Charles Reportedly “Fuming” Over Costs
Before the Forest Lodge announcement, reports suggested William and Kate were considering Fort Belvedere, another property in Windsor Great Park. Rob Shutter’s #shutterscoop reported that King Charles was “fuming” over the potential costs of that move.
“It’ll take millions to renovate,” a palace source said about Fort Belvedere. “Charles sees it as an unnecessary extravagance.” The concerns centered around extensive renovation costs for the Gothic Revival mansion where King Edward VIII once lived. The property would have required significant modernization work.
Since announcing the Forest Lodge move instead, there have been no Royal news reports that have emerged about King Charles objecting to the new plan.
The Eight Bedroom Estate
Forest Lodge marks a clear upgrade from the family’s four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage. The red-brick Georgian manor includes a tennis court and swimming pool, with 58 acres of grounds that hold lakes, stables, and rose gardens.
Builders constructed the property in the 1770s as Holly Grove before the Crown Estate acquired it in 1829. The mansion retains its historic charm with ornate cornices, Venetian windows, detailed plasterwork, and a half-barrel vaulted ceiling. The home underwent a £1.5 million ($1.95 million) restoration in 2001, preserving these period features while adding modern functionality.
The property is estimated to be worth £16 million ($20.8 million) on the open market. King Edward VIII renamed it Forest Lodge in 1937 when his equerry, Sir John Aird, rented the property. Aird himself opposed the name change and preferred the original name, Ranger’s Lodge.
The Royals Pay Their Own Way
Kensington Palace has stated the family’s financial independence in the move. A spokesperson confirmed that “the Wales family will move house later this year.” The Palace added that William and Kate are funding both the property and its renovations themselves.
The couple will pay market rent on the property, avoiding any cost to taxpayers through the Sovereign Grant. Prince William’s income will cover expenses from the Duchy of Cornwall estate, which generates around $30 million annually.
Planning applications show approval for modest changes, including fireplace alterations and the removal of certain windows. Royal news sources say the family plans more extensive work. These include replacing doors and windows, stripping out internal walls, renovating ceilings, and laying new flooring in parts of the house. The family will also maintain their approach of not employing live-in staff at Forest Lodge. Just as they do at Adelaide Cottage.
Security Measures Raise Neighbor Concerns
Security advisers asked two families living in cottages beside Forest Lodge to move ahead of the relocation. Advisers deemed the cottages too close to the main residence. The cottages were once stables for the estate, but the Crown Estate converted them into rental homes.
According to the accounts, security advisers worried the proximity could give outsiders a view into the private lives of the Royal children. The request came as a surprise to those living there, who had not expected to leave. The Crown Estate arranged alternative accommodation for both households within Windsor Great Park. No formal eviction notices were issued. The Crown Estate gave each family housing equal to or better than the standard cottages they left.
The Forever Home
Forest Lodge has been described by Royal news sources as the Wales family’s “forever home.” They plan to remain there once William is King, breaking with the tradition of monarchs living at Buckingham Palace. King Charles has made the same choice. Former Royal butler Grant Harrold told local news, “The King hasn’t moved into Buckingham Palace, despite a lot of the work being completed. He still lives at Clarence House and spends a lot of time at Highgrove and Windsor.”
The decision to move will also keep the children close to Lambrook School and maintain the family’s preference for a more normal lifestyle. “William and Kate have never wanted live-in staff, I think that’s the modern way,” explained Royal biographer Ingrid Seward. “Since William was a little boy, he’s seen all the staff at the late Queen’s homes, and he never wanted that.”
The Wales family will continue to use their other residences, including Anmer Hall in Norfolk, during school holidays, and maintain offices at Kensington Palace. This arrangement allows them to balance private family life with official duties, all while keeping the children settled in school.
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