In a move that has surprised royal watchers, Prince William and Princess Catherine are set to leave palace life behind for a more family-centered home in Windsor Great Park. The couple, along with their three children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — will relocate to Forest Lodge, an elegant Grade II-listed property nestled just minutes away from Lambrook School, where the children currently study.
The new home is a striking shift in royal tradition. Forest Lodge boasts eight bedrooms, six chimneys, nine bay windows, and features such as a tennis court, a pond, and even a cellar, offering both comfort and charm without the grandeur of a sprawling palace. Unlike the vast Royal Lodge of Prince Andrew, Forest Lodge provides more space than their current Adelaide Cottage but retains a sense of intimacy.
According to royal insiders, the decision reflects William and Catherine’s desire to provide their children with a stable upbringing outside the pressures of palace life. A Kensington Palace spokesperson confirmed: “The Wales family will move house later this year.”
The move comes after a series of challenging years for the monarchy, marked by health concerns, scandals, and increasing scrutiny of royal finances. By choosing a family home over a palace, William and Catherine are seen to be sending a powerful message: theirs is a monarchy preparing for modern times, where duty blends with the values of normal family life.
Interestingly, this will be the couple’s second move in just three years, following their relocation from Kensington Palace to Adelaide Cottage in 2022. That decision was made to ensure their children could attend Lambrook School, and now Forest Lodge will place them even closer. For holidays, the family will continue to retreat to Anmer Hall in Norfolk, their beloved countryside escape.
Royal commentators note that the move positions the Prince and Princess of Wales as relatable parents, focused on raising their children in a home, not a palace. One expert observed, “It’s not about grandeur anymore — it’s about building memories as a family.”
Still, the proximity to Prince Andrew’s Royal Lodge has not gone unnoticed, raising questions about family dynamics behind palace walls. While officials insist the decision is purely practical, whispers of strained relations and subtle royal repositioning continue to swirl.
One thing is certain: Forest Lodge marks not just a change of address, but the beginning of a new chapter for the future King and Queen — one that blends royal tradition with a deeply personal vision of family life.