William and Kate Accused of 'Hypocrisy' as Neighbors Fume Over a Major Problem at Forest Lodge
Prince William and Kate Middleton continue to face scrutiny over their strict security measures at Forest Lodge. While some support the couple’s emphasis on privacy, others are frustrated by the restrictions on their personal space. As William and Middleton prepare to move into their 'forever home' in November, a new report reveals that they have once again clashed with their neighbors. Residents are reportedly angry over the several cameras installed and the designated 'no-go' zones.
William and Middleton are expected to move on November 5, hoping for a fresh start after a challenging year. Before they had decided on the property as their 'forever home', residents could freely walk through the area. Now, the surroundings of Forest Lodge are heavily secured, with hoardings, cameras, and a 150-acre 'no-go' zone restricting access. One of the residents, who chose to stay anonymous, ranted to The Telegraph, "[The Royal family] encourages us to go out in the fresh air, and then they’re restricting us. It’s hypocritical. I’m totally in favor of protecting the royal family against idiots who might try to shoot at them or take photographs. But the house is very far away, they’ve put a huge fence around it, and there are lots of cameras in the fields. We’re not impressed, I’m afraid."
Similarly, another disgruntled resident believed that the royal couple could reside in another place without as many restrictions. They opined, "I was excited when I heard they were moving there, but I always wondered how they would manage the security. They haven’t given us any warning or notice." While the resident acknowledged understanding their need for safety for their three children, they expressed disappointment, given how long they had enjoyed the space before it was taken away.
Last month, on August 16, The Sun reported on similar complaints by dog walkers, who regularly traversed the car park with their pets. Now, a board outside the car park reads, "Due to the pending designation of part of the Great Park as an exclusion area, access via Cranbourne Gate will permanently cease." Reflecting on the inconvenience, resident Tom Bunn said, "Obviously, it’s disappointing as my dog loves it here…But I completely understand that the safety of William, Kate, and their family is paramount, so we should make sure they can live happily here." Meanwhile, a neighbor from nearby Winkfield believed that the hoarding and restrictions were a 'kick in the teeth.'
As a part of the security measures, public access around the property will be permanently blocked once it becomes a designated property under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act (SOCPA) 2005. The decision, which did not need public approval, reads, "By the relocation of a protected principal residing at the Forest Lodge site, it reflects its use as part of the wider Crown Land within Windsor and therefore is appropriate to afford this site the same protection as other Crown properties designated under section 128 of the SOCPA 2005."