Prince William and Kate Middleton Are Moving to a New ‘Forever’ Home, Hoping to Get a ‘Fresh Start’
Last month, royal watchers were on alert as reports surfaced of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s plans to leave Adelaide Cottage for Fort Belvedere. The Prince and Princess of Wales have lived in the modest four-bedroom residence for three years, having relocated from Kensington Palace in 2022. On August 16, a Palace spokesperson confirmed that William and Middleton will move out of Adelaide Cottage later this year. It is understood the couple have found their ‘forever home’ at Forest Lodge, a historic Georgian property in Windsor. The eight-bedroom Forest Lodge is nestled in Windsor Great Park, not far from their current royal residence.
A Palace spokesperson told PEOPLE, "The Wales family will move house later this year." While they did not confirm the Waleses’ next move, The Sun reports they are allegedly eyeing Forest Lodge, which is currently undergoing minor renovations ahead of the family’s relocation. Their move follows more than three years at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, chosen in 2022 to be closer to their three children’s prep school, Lambrook, in nearby Ascot. It is also reported that the couple chose the modest cottage to give their family a quieter, more private life. An insider close to the family revealed that the Prince and Princess are hoping for a 'fresh start' after a 'difficult time' at Adelaide Cottage.
They said, "Windsor has become their home....Moving gives them an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter; an opportunity to leave some of the more unhappy memories behind." They continued, "This is a move for the long-term. They see it as their forever home." The unhappy moments refer to Queen Elizabeth's 2022 death and Middleton's 2024 cancer diagnosis, both of which occurred during their stay at the cottage. Insiders also said their new move will allow William and Middleton to be 'as hands-on as possible' as parents while balancing royal duties. In July, reports surfaced that William and Middleton were allegedly leaving Adelaide Cottage behind for Fort Belvedere.
The Gothic revival mansion was once the residence of Edward VIII. It was infamous for being the place where he signed his abdication papers in 1936 after choosing to marry divorcee Wallis Simpson. The sprawling mansion, often referred to simply as 'The Fort,' was originally built in the 18th century and has since been privately leased to Canadian businessman Galen Weston's family. At the time, a source told the Daily Mail, "This is the perfect new home for them. It has a swimming pool and tennis court, and Charlotte loves playing tennis." The Gothic residence spans 59 acres, featuring an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, stables, lakes, a large greenhouse, and several gardens.
As for Forest Lodge, the Georgian residence is thought to be worth up to $20M, with fine period detail including elaborate plaster cornices and ceiling decoration, marble fireplaces, Venetian windows, and a half-barrel vaulted hallway ceiling. Forest Lodge was last renovated in 2001 for $1.90M In 2001, it went on the rental market for $19,050 a month, with a Grade II status.