Prince William and Princess Kate Eye New Royal Home — But There Are Two Strict 'Requirements'
Prince William and Princess Kate may be ready to leave behind the modest charm of Adelaide Cottage, but not in exchange for any grand royal residence. The pair had moved to the property in 2022, which sits just a ten-minute stroll from Windsor Castle's main grounds. However, now, the couple, along with their three children, is said to be seriously considering Fort Belvedere in Windsor, but only if it meets two strict 'requirements'.
Fort Belvedere has all the features one would expect from a royal home. Spread across 59 acres, the estate includes an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, stables, lakes, a large greenhouse, and several gardens. There are also three cottages for staff, something Adelaide Cottage lacks as a four-bedroom estate. And with their children getting older, the Prince and Princess of Wales feel it’s time to upgrade.
“They feel they have outgrown Adelaide Cottage and need somewhere more substantial,” a source close to the pair 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.” And that's evident as the mother-daughter duo are regulars at Wimbledon.
As much as the amenities are a draw, it’s not what’s sealing the deal for the couple. The real priorities, according to OK! magazine, are privacy and a rural setting, both of which Fort Belvedere offers. These are the same reasons why they had moved to Adelaide Cottage in the first place, opting for a quiet life outside of London and away from the royal spotlight at Kensington Palace. Additionally, it was also pretty close to Lambrook school, where the children are currently enrolled.
Fort Belvedere, now reportedly being considered, was once the residence of Edward VIII and is best known as the place where he signed his abdication papers in 1936 after choosing to marry Wallis Simpson. The sprawling mansion, often referred to simply as 'The Fort,' was originally built in the 18th century and has seen its fair share of royal drama over the years. Once, cannons from the Jacobite rising lined its battlements, a detail that only establishes the royal history.
While the royal couple hasn’t officially confirmed a move yet, insider reports suggest the wheels are already in motion. Other possible residences, like Royal Lodge and Windsor Castle, seem less viable, whether because of their current occupants or a lack of privacy. The Mail reported that William and Middleton were previously rumored to make a potential move to Royal Lodge, the 30-room mansion in Windsor where Prince Andrew lives, but reportedly won't leave despite the King's repeated urgings. There was also an alternative plan in place, which involved the Prince and Princess and their family moving into a wing of Windsor Castle; however, that, too, is allegedly not feasible anymore.