"Permanent Residence" - The Mystery Surrounding William and Kate's Relocation
Royal Family Moves to Forest Lodge: A New Chapter for Prince William and Princess Kate
Prince William and Princess Kate, the British heir apparent and his wife, are preparing for a significant change as they move house. The royal couple, along with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, will be relocating to Forest Lodge, a historic Georgian mansion within the sprawling park surrounding Windsor Castle.
Forest Lodge, originally named Holly Grove, was built in the 1770s and designed by Thomas Sandby. The property boasts eight bedrooms, a ballroom, six chimneys, eight bay windows, and a private tennis court. It is a Grade II-listed building, recognized for its architectural and historical significance.
The couple's decision to move to Forest Lodge is not just about finding a larger home. It also aims to help them leave behind unhappy memories, as they have spent the past year dealing with personal challenges. Last year, Princess Kate received a cancer diagnosis following her hospital stay and underwent surgery in mid-January 2024. William described the past year as "brutal" and the hardest year of his life.
The move to Forest Lodge is seen as an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter for the royal couple. The renovations to the mansion are being funded privately by William and Kate, with an estimated cost of around £16 million (approximately €18.5 million). The royal family will be paying market rent rather than using public funds for the move.
Forest Lodge offers a blend of deep historic roots, royal association, significant architectural features, and modern residential amenities, making it a prominent and fitting residence for the Prince and Princess of Wales as they prepare for future roles within the monarchy. The Windsor residence is also significant as their children attend the nearby Lambrook School.
The royal couple, who also have Apartment 1A in London's Kensington Palace and the country house Anmer Hall in Norfolk, plan for Forest Lodge to be their permanent residence, even after becoming king and queen. The exact moving date has not been announced, but it is expected to occur later this year.
The move to Forest Lodge is not only a physical relocation but also a symbolic step forward for the royal family. It represents a desire to turn a new page after Princess Kate's cancer diagnosis last year and to begin a new chapter in their lives. The couple does not intend to accommodate staff in their new home, aiming to maintain privacy.
[1] Windsor Great Park - Forest Lodge. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.royal.uk/windsor-great-park-forest-lodge
[2] Forest Lodge, Windsor. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-509866-forest-lodge-windsor
[3] Forest Lodge. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1001360
[4] Forest Lodge. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_Lodge,_Windsor
Their new home, Forest Lodge, offers a unique blend of home-and-garden charm and historical significance, catering to the royal lifestyle of Prince William and Princess Kate. A Grade II-listed building, Forest Lodge boasts several architectural features, creating an ideal residence for the Prince and Princess of Wales.
