Prince William and Kate Middleton have officially settled into their new home, marking a significant new chapter for the future King and Queen. The couple has left behind their beloved Adelaide Cottage to move into the elegant Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom estate nestled within the Windsor grounds. This move comes just ahead of Prince William’s trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he will host the prestigious Earthshot Prize Awards.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have long sought a permanent family residence where their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis can grow up away from the constant public glare. Their move to Forest Lodge, often referred to as their “forever home,” signals their intention to make Windsor their long-term base.
According to property expert Russell Quirk, who spoke to Manchester Evening News, the property’s rent has more than doubled over the past two decades, suggesting that William and Kate are now paying around £30,000 per month to the Crown Estate. The steep price reflects both the desirability of the Windsor area and the high demand for prime royal properties.
“In the last twenty or so years, rents in areas like Windsor have soared,” Quirk explained. “The location has become increasingly popular, particularly among overseas renters. With changes in the stamp duty regime making property purchases more penal, more people are renting instead of buying. That shift has dramatically strengthened the rental market.”
He went on to add that “a property which may have rented for £15,000 a month back in 2001 would now command close to £30,000 a month about £7,000 a week.” The expert described the demand for homes in Windsor as “very, very strong,” reflecting the area’s enduring appeal among both royals and wealthy professionals.
Forest Lodge offers the royal family a sense of space and privacy that Adelaide Cottage, though charming, could not provide. Its expansive grounds, lush gardens, and secluded surroundings make it an ideal home for a family seeking both comfort and security. For William and Kate, who balance public duties with parenting three young children, this move represents stability and permanence.
The transition to Forest Lodge also aligns with Prince William’s growing responsibilities as heir to the throne. With King Charles continuing his treatment and reducing his schedule, William has taken on more royal engagements and leadership roles. Establishing a permanent home near Windsor Castle allows him to stay close to the heart of royal operations while maintaining a sense of normalcy for his family.
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The move has reportedly been months in the making. Royal insiders describe it as a carefully planned decision, ensuring that the children’s schooling and daily routines remain undisturbed. George, Charlotte, and Louis are expected to continue attending Lambrook School nearby, maintaining the consistency that William and Kate value for their upbringing.
The couple’s relocation has also fueled speculation about their growing influence within the royal household. With King Charles streamlining the monarchy and redistributing residences, William’s choice of Forest Lodge reflects a symbolic transition one that underscores his preparation for the future as monarch.
Royal observers also note the timing of the move, coinciding with tensions surrounding Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s eviction from the Royal Lodge. William’s desire to make the Windsor estate a “safe place” for his children has reportedly been a key motivator in securing a new home within the area, ensuring distance from ongoing controversies.
Forest Lodge, though grand, is also said to embody the couple’s preference for understated elegance. Much like their approach to royal life, the home combines tradition with modern family values. Those close to them describe the residence as warm, welcoming, and filled with laughter a reflection of William and Kate’s parenting style.
As the Prince and Princess of Wales prepare to settle into their new life at Forest Lodge, their decision resonates beyond mere real estate. It symbolizes a renewed focus on family, duty, and the future of the monarchy. With the move, they are not just choosing a home, they are cementing their vision for the next generation of royals.
