Royal Family Seeks Fresh Beginning: William and Kate Plan Move to Expansive Windsor Estate Following Challenging Year.
Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, are preparing to relocate their young family to a grand new residence within Windsor Great Park by year’s end, marking what sources describe as a deliberate “fresh start” after enduring a particularly difficult period.
The royal couple, together with their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—will be moving from their current Adelaide Cottage to the impressive eight-bedroom Forest Lodge, a Grade II-listed property offering both privacy and spectacular views across the estate.
A New Chapter After Dark Times
The decision to move comes after what an insider described as “some really difficult times” during their residency at Adelaide Cottage. The family has weathered a series of profound challenges, including the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, followed by cancer diagnoses for both the Princess of Wales and King Charles III.
“Windsor has become their home,” a source close to the family revealed to The Sun. “However, over the last few years while they have lived at Adelaide Cottage there have been some really difficult times. Moving gives them an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter; an opportunity to leave some of the more unhappy memories behind.”
An Impressive New Family Seat
Forest Lodge represents a significant upgrade from their current accommodation. The property boasts eight bedrooms and commanding views across Windsor Great Park, with Prince William reportedly able to glimpse Wembley’s iconic arch from his bedroom window—a particular delight for the football enthusiast.
The Princess has already been seen selecting furnishings for their new home, including an impressive 24-seater dining table, suggesting the couple plans to use the space for both family life and official entertaining.
Planning documents reveal that renovations are currently underway to prepare the historic property for the royal family’s arrival. The couple will personally fund these modifications to the Grade II-listed lodge, ensuring it meets their family’s specific needs while preserving its historical character.
Maintaining Their Windsor Lifestyle
The Wales family first relocated to Windsor in 2022, seeking a more private and normal upbringing for their children while remaining close to the late Queen Elizabeth II. Their choice of Adelaide Cottage provided the perfect balance—close enough to London for official duties, yet offering the tranquility of countryside living.
This move also kept the children at their beloved Lambrook School, where all three royal siblings are currently enrolled. The new residence maintains this convenient proximity to their educational establishment while providing significantly more space for the growing family.
Notably, the couple plans to continue their hands-on parenting approach, with no live-in staff planned for the new residence, just as they currently manage at Adelaide Cottage.
Looking Toward the Future
As Prince George approaches secondary school age, the couple faces important educational decisions. Eton College, with its prestigious reputation and annual fees exceeding £63,000, is reportedly the leading contender for the future king’s continued education.
Catherine’s Artistic Healing Journey
Alongside news of the move, the Princess of Wales has released her second seasonal film celebrating the British countryside. “Summer,” following her earlier “Spring” installment, showcases locations across Sheffield, Bradford, North Wales, Anglesey, and England’s south coast.
While the Princess doesn’t appear on camera, her voice narrates the contemplative piece, which draws from her experience finding solace in nature during her cancer treatment and recovery.
“Our lives flourish when we cherish the bonds of love and friendship,” Catherine reflected in an accompanying message. “It has never been more important to appreciate the value of one another, and of Mother Nature. Here’s to Summer. C”
The film series, launched to considerable public interest, serves as both a celebration of Britain’s natural beauty and what palace sources describe as “a reminder and reflection of the beauty and complexity of the human experience.”
A Symbol of Renewal
The planned relocation to Forest Lodge represents more than just a change of address for the Wales family. It symbolizes their resilience and determination to move forward after one of the most challenging periods in recent royal history, while maintaining their commitment to raising their children with as much normality as possible within their unique circumstances.
As they prepare for this new chapter, the Prince and Princess of Wales continue to balance their royal responsibilities with their paramount role as parents, ensuring their family’s wellbeing remains at the heart of every decision they make.
