Prince William Moving to a ‘Forever Home’ Could Come With a Hidden Cost: ‘Be Careful...’
The Prince of Wales is determined to give his three children a grounded upbringing, far from the grandeur of palaces, and is said to be settling into a “forever home” with Kate Middleton. But royal commentators caution that William’s vision of a downsized monarchy, centered on family life, may come with unintended consequences. While he looks forward to a quieter life in Windsor, experts warn the future king that such a move could carry serious risks, and one advised him to “be careful what you wish for.”
Last week, PEOPLE reported that William, Kate, and their three children are preparing to settle permanently at Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom home tucked inside Windsor Great Park. The couple reportedly sees it as their “forever home,” a place to raise Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, even after William eventually becomes king. The move comes after a turbulent few years, marked by the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and cancer diagnoses for both King Charles and Princess Kate.
Insiders describe the relocation as a “fresh start” for the family, far from the grandeur of Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle. It’s also said the Waleses are covering the rent themselves, with no extra cost to the taxpayer. But while the decision appears practical for family life, royal commentator Robert Jobson cautioned that William, 43, should be careful in his decisions.
Speaking on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show with editor Matt Wilkinson, Jobson explained, “People do turn out when they see, particularly people like Sophie Wessex and the new Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward. They turn out in droves. They like that connection. And if you lose that connection, the monarchy actually loses something that it’s about. I think you’ve got to be careful what you wish for.”
For now, William is reportedly shaping his role “the way he wants to.” Wilkinson added that the Prince of Wales is focused on being present for his children, “Remember, Charles as King doesn’t have a very young family that he has to make sure he’s at home when they get back from school […] that’s what William enjoys. He enjoys the school run, and he wants to bring his children up in the countryside. His life is very different from what King Charles’ is.”
Wilkinson contrasted William’s choices with Queen Elizabeth II’s approach, noting, “I know the late Queen Elizabeth II […], she worked extremely hard when she was bringing up her children, but that’s what William perhaps is choosing not to do. But it’s a different era as well.” Even so, Jobson believes that personal preference has its limits when it comes to the Crown, “It’s not a question of choice – it’s a question of duty. I think that William has got to be quite careful whilst doing this balancing act.”
While acknowledging the pressures of raising three young children after “a difficult time,” the commentator argued that royal life demands relentless commitment. “The role of the monarch is one where duty has to come first. I don’t think there’s any way around that unless you want to have a part-time monarch or a president. The reality is that it is the job. It’s a job for life, and it’s a job that’s pretty relentless.”