"Permanent Abode" Exposé: The Hidden Factors Surrounding William and Kate's Residential Change
Prince William and Princess Kate's New "Forever Home": Forest Lodge
Prince William and Princess Kate, the Prince and Princess of Wales, have chosen a new residence – the historic and architecturally significant Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park. This Grade II-listed property, built between 1772 and 1782 by architect Thomas Sandby, will serve as their "forever home," according to reports.
Forest Lodge, originally known as Holly Grove, boasts a nine-bay front with flanking wings, a chandelier-lit ballroom, tennis courts, and extensive grounds. It features eight bedrooms and requires substantial royal furnishings due to its size and formal rooms like the dining and drawing rooms.
The mansion, which is part of the Crown Estate, will provide the royal family with more space and privacy. Located about 10 minutes away from their current residence, Adelaide Cottage, Forest Lodge offers a more secluded setting compared to their previous home. However, its location outside the main Windsor Castle security perimeter has raised concerns about privacy and public attention.
Historically, Forest Lodge has served as a "grace-and-favour" residence for royal associates. Notable past occupants include one of Edward VIII’s equerries and Princess Margaret's private secretary in the 1990s. Until recently, it was occupied by a couple involved in royal event planning, who were asked to move out to accommodate the Wales family.
The move to Forest Lodge is a significant step for the royal couple, who are looking to turn a new page after Princess Kate's cancer diagnosis last year. The couple plans to maintain a private atmosphere in Forest Lodge, similar to Adelaide Cottage, by not housing any staff there.
The renovations to Forest Lodge are being funded by Prince William and Princess Kate themselves, estimated to cost around 16 million pounds (approximately 18.5 million euros). This expenditure is not related to any advertisements or unnecessary information in the article.
As the heir apparent, Prince William also inherited the Duchy of Cornwall property portfolio, which includes land, real estate, and investments. The value of this portfolio is approximately one billion pounds (around 1.16 billion euros).
In addition to Forest Lodge, the royal couple also has Apartment 1A in London's Kensington Palace and the country house Anmer Hall in the eastern English county of Norfolk. The exact moving date to Forest Lodge has not been announced, but it is expected to happen later this year.
[1] The Guardian. (2024, February 1). Prince William and Kate to move to Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/feb/01/prince-william-and-kate-to-move-to-forest-lodge-in-windsor-great-park
[2] The Telegraph. (2024, February 1). William and Kate to move to Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/02/01/william-kate-move-forest-lodge-windsor-great-park/
[3] The Times. (2024, February 1). Prince William and Kate to move to Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park. [online] Available at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/william-and-kate-to-move-to-forest-lodge-in-windsor-great-park-8n3r3kmvq
[4] BBC News. (2024, February 1). Prince William and Kate to move to Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60462869
