Prince William and Kate Middleton are once again in the spotlight, but this time for a reason that has sparked public debate and even criticism. The Prince and Princess of Wales are preparing to settle into their new home, Fort Lodge in Windsor Great Park, but their arrival has reportedly forced two nearby families to pack up and leave.
The couple, along with their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—are expected to move into the sprawling property later this year. Described by insiders as their “forever home,” Fort Lodge promises more privacy and space compared to their current residence, Adelaide Cottage.
However, according to reports in The Daily Mail, two families living in Crown Estate cottages near Fort Lodge were asked to vacate their homes earlier this summer. While they were eventually relocated to other properties in the area, the sudden upheaval has stirred controversy.
“They were not expecting it,” one source revealed. “They were told to move out, but I guess they were given somewhere else to go.” Although the tenants were not served formal eviction notices, the timing of their departures has led many to point fingers at the Wales family’s move.
The cottages in question were situated close to Fort Lodge, making them incompatible with the arrival of senior royals who prioritize privacy and security. The Crown Estate reportedly arranged new housing for the families, in what sources insist were “similar or better” properties.
Even so, the optics of the situation have not been kind to William and Kate. Critics argue that the idea of ordinary families being displaced to make way for royals sends the wrong message—especially at a time when the monarchy is working hard to modernize its image.
Supporters of the Waleses, however, defend the move, insisting it was unavoidable given the security concerns around housing Britain’s future king and queen. They also point out that William and Kate are covering the costs of their move privately, including renovations to Fort Lodge, rather than relying on taxpayers.
The relocation to Fort Lodge comes after what has been described as a challenging period for the royal couple. Kate Middleton’s battle with cancer and her reduced public role have reshaped family life, and the move is seen as a chance to reset.
Read More: Meghan Markle’s ‘Poor Me’ Attitude Over Kate Middleton Sparks New Royal Rift
Sources suggest the mansion will provide the family with more space and a calmer environment as Kate continues her recovery. Its location also keeps the Wales children close to their school, Lambrook, where the couple have worked hard to give them as normal a childhood as possible.
“Windsor has become their home,” an insider explained. “Fort Lodge will allow them to move forward with a fresh chapter after a very difficult couple of years.”
Still, the shadow of forced relocations lingers over the move. For some, the image of families being asked to leave their homes because of royal neighbors is a stark reminder of the monarchy’s privileged position. Social media reactions have been particularly divided, with some praising the couple’s decision to fund the move themselves, while others see it as tone-deaf.
The debate also highlights the delicate balancing act William and Kate face as they prepare for their future roles. On one hand, they have sought to embody a modern monarchy—more relatable, more down-to-earth, and more attuned to ordinary families. On the other hand, the realities of royal life, with its heavy security requirements, sometimes send a very different message.
Fort Lodge has been described as the couple’s ultimate family retreat, and insiders say they are determined to make it their permanent base for decades to come. Unlike Buckingham Palace, which William has already made clear he does not intend to use as his main residence, Windsor offers a blend of tradition and privacy.
Whether the controversy over nearby evictions will fade quickly or leave a lasting mark on their move remains to be seen. For now, the Wales family is focused on creating a stable home where Kate can continue her recovery and their children can grow up surrounded by a sense of normalcy—even if the road to that goal has proven more complicated than expected.
