Waleses move to Forest Lodge confirmed

William and Kate will move with their children to the eight-bedroom Forest Lodge on the Windsor Great Park estate for a long term stay.

Waleses relocate to Forest Lodge as royal future takes shape

William and Kate will relocate from Adelaide Cottage to Forest Lodge on the Windsor Great Park estate with their children, a decision that puts down roots in an eight-bedroom Grade II listed house that is undergoing renovations funded by the couple. The move is planned as a long-term arrangement and the couple will not appoint live-in staff at Forest Lodge, mirroring their preference for privacy and hands-on parenting.

The relocation follows their earlier move to Windsor in 2022 and reflects a broader push to modernize the royal family’s public image while keeping a grounded family life. Royal sources say the change offers a fresh start after a difficult period, while the King’s London base at Buckingham Palace remains under refurbishment and state visits are slated to take place at Windsor Castle until 2027.

The decision signals a shift toward a monarchy that blends everyday accessibility with private life. By choosing a countryside setting and private funding, William and Kate signal a model that prioritizes family life and practical duties over ceremonial grandeur. The plan also reframes the future working structure of the royal household and raises questions about how the next king will balance visibility with privacy in public life.

At the same time, the move highlights ongoing tensions around royal finances and public perception. While the couple is funding the Forest Lodge renovations, debates over cost, accountability and where public support ends continue to echo in media and political circles, especially as the royal balance shifts from central London to Windsor and as the institution modernizes for a younger audience.

Highlights

The monarchy tests a future built on privacy and practicality rather than pageantry.