Forest Lodge Move Could Help Princess Kate Reconnect With Her ‘Royal Sister’

Catherine, Princess of Wales smiles during a visit to the RHS's Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool)

Sep. 02 2025, Published 11:45 AM. ET

When the Prince and Princess of Wales complete their move to Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, the shift will be about upgrading to a bigger family home, but it is not just about that. For Princess Kate, the change of address may also mean more time with one of her closest allies inside the royal fold. The couple and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, are preparing to leave Adelaide Cottage, their much-loved base near Windsor Castle. Their new residence, Forest Lodge, is a Grade II-listed eight-bedroom property set in the heart of the park. While the move provides the family with more space and privacy, it is the location that has caught the attention of royal observers.

Catherine, and Sophie, attend the Order of the Garter Service at St George's Chapel. (Image Source: Getty Images | Toby Melville - WPA Pool)

Forest Lodge lies only a short drive from Bagshot Park, the home of Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, who is married to Prince Edward. The two women have long enjoyed a warm relationship, with royal commentators often describing Sophie as Kate’s 'royal sister.' Royal biographer Sean Smith recently talked about the significance of the friendship, saying, “They remain the best of friends,” he told GB News. “They have always been two middle-class girls from the country battling their way through the etiquette and traditions of the Royal Family.”

The connection between Kate and Sophie first came into public view in 2017, when they appeared together in a carriage at Royal Ascot. A playful moment during the procession, when Sophie lost her footing and fell against Kate, left both women in stitches. “Sophie was attempting to change places when she fell on top of Kate, reducing both women to a shriek of giggles. It was a truly happy moment,” Smith recalled, Vanity Fair reported.

Princess Beatrice, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and Catherine, Princess of Wales watch 'The Sandringham Stakes', in which King Charles III's and Queen Camilla's horse 'Candle of Hope' came fifth, on day four of Royal Ascot 2023. (Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo)

Since then, the bond between the two has strengthened. They may not be inseparable, but they share an understanding of life as outsiders navigating the traditions and scrutiny that come with royal life. “They do not live in each other’s pockets,” Smith acknowledged. “Kate has three young children to occupy her attention, but their new home, Forest Lodge, is little more than a 10-minute drive from Bagshot Park, so Sophie is near to help and support when she can.”

For Kate, the proximity may prove invaluable. With Prince William balancing his increasing royal workload and the couple’s children growing older, the Princess of Wales has relied on a close circle of support. Having Sophie nearby could allow her to lean on someone who has faced many of the same pressures.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, attend the annual National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph. (Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo)

That closeness extends beyond Kate herself. Sophie has reportedly developed a strong bond with Princess Charlotte. The pair have been spotted together on shopping outings, with Kate said to be moved by the relationship, as reported by a previous article by GB News. A source close to both the Wales and Edinburgh households said, “There is a really warm connection between Sophie and her great-niece, which is very touching.”

The insider added that Kate “loves the fact that Charlotte gets on so well with her older relation.” Sophie’s daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, also shares in the family bond. She is studying at the University of St Andrews, the same Scottish university where William and Kate first met. Louise “adores Charlotte too,” the source explained, though she sees her less often while living away in Scotland.