Windsor’s Next Royal Chapter: William and Kate’s Forest Lodge Move Prompts Tenant Relocations
The Prince and Princess of Wales are set to transition to the expansive eight-bedroom Forest Lodge, a move within the historic Crown Estate that has seen two nearby families amicably relocated.
The Royal household is abuzz with preparations as the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, finalize their plans to move into Forest Lodge, an expansive eight-bedroom property nestled within the picturesque Windsor Great Park, later this year. This latest residential shift for the royal couple, both 43, and their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis – comes three years after their relocation to Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor royal estate in 2022.
The impending move to Forest Lodge has quietly necessitated a change for two families residing in cottages adjacent to the royal property. These residences, once stables, had been converted into homes and rented out by the Crown Estate. Sources, as reported by the Daily Mail, indicated that these long-term tenants “were not expecting it” when approached to vacate their homes earlier this summer. The proximity of their cottages to the future royal residence was a key factor, with one source remarking on the desire for heightened privacy: “Those houses are very close to the lodge, so they’re not going to want any Tom, Dick or Harry living in those houses if there are going to be royals there.”
Crucially, it is understood that no eviction notices were issued. Instead, the Crown Estate facilitated the smooth transition of both families into similar or even improved housing options within the Great Park, ensuring their continued residency within Crown Estate properties. This cooperative approach underscores the careful management of royal estate affairs.
Forest Lodge itself is currently undergoing minor refurbishments to accommodate the Wales family, with Prince William and Catherine personally funding these upgrades. This decision highlights their commitment to managing costs associated with their residences, particularly given Prince William’s substantial annual income, estimated at around $30 million, derived from the Duchy of Cornwall Estate. To enhance privacy at their new abode, new shrubs and privacy screens have also been strategically added around the property.
The move to Forest Lodge represents a significant long-term strategic decision for the future of the monarchy. Having moved their children from London to Windsor in 2022 to attend the co-ed prep school Lambrook, in nearby Ascot, the family sought a more private and less constrained environment. A friend revealed to The Sunday Times in 2022 that life in London was “quite confined,” lamenting that “The kids can’t go into the park and kick a football with friends.” Forest Lodge is anticipated to be their primary residence for the foreseeable future, potentially serving as the official residence even when Prince William ascends to the throne as King. While Forest Lodge offers the necessary space and security, the family’s affection for Anmer Hall, their Norfolk country home, remains strong, with a long-term aspiration to return there in 10 to 15 years as their ultimate “happy place.”
This carefully orchestrated move signifies the evolving residential strategy of the Prince and Princess of Wales, balancing their public duties with the private needs of their growing family.
