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Royal families to relocate to Forest Lodge
The Wales family will move to Forest Lodge this year, reshaping the royal residence map and stirring questions about Buckingham Palace.
The Wales family will make Forest Lodge their long term home, raising questions about Buckingham Palace’s future and the monarchy’s public footprint.
Forest Lodge move reshapes the royal home map
The Prince and Princess of Wales plan to relocate to Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park later this year. The Grade II listed Georgian mansion dates to the 1770s and will become the family’s long term residence as Adelaide Cottage is replaced by a larger base. The Crown Estate owns the freehold and the Waleses will pay market rent, with the couple funding the planned internal and external renovations themselves.
There will be no live in staff at Forest Lodge and security and support staff will be housed nearby. William and Catherine will retain Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace and Anmer Hall in Norfolk, while continuing to operate their Royal Foundation from Kensington. Buckingham Palace remains under a public funded refurbishment project, now approaching a decade, raising questions about whether the official London residence will stay at the heart of royal life after William becomes king.
Observers note the move hints at a more private, hands on royal life, while others warn it could tension the monarchy’s public footprint. Some talk of opening Buckingham Palace to more visitors to ease the public purse burden, but that would test tradition and political scrutiny. The timeline stretches to 2027, underscoring how the royal home map may be redefined for a new generation.
Key Takeaways
"This is for the long term and it's their intention to stay in Forest Lodge"
Source describing the family's plan after William becomes king
"They want to continue to do the school run, even if they are king and queen"
Insiders describe family routines as a priority
"A fresh start for them after three really tough years"
Move framed as a reset after health and public pressure
"William will be taking a more pragmatic approach to Buckingham Palace"
Insiders discuss future strategy for royal residences
The shift to Forest Lodge signals a broader rethink of where a modern monarchy should live and work. Windsor offers space for privacy and family life, while still keeping the couple within reach of royal duties. The plan also moves the monarchy toward a more business minded model of property use, seeking revenue through public visits and events while balancing security and tradition. It is a test of how much of royal life can be kept out of the glare without eroding public legitimacy.
Highlights
- This is for the long term and it’s their intention to stay in Forest Lodge
- They want to continue to do the school run, even if they are king and queen
- A fresh start for them after three really tough years
- William will be taking a more pragmatic approach to Buckingham Palace
Budget and public reaction risk
The plan to move and renovate royal properties heightens scrutiny of taxpayer money and the monarchy’s public function. As Windsor becomes a bigger home base and London residencies are reassessed, political sensitivity and public backlash could grow.
The royal living map is changing, and how the public experiences the monarchy may change with it.
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