Quote from Alex bobby on August 19, 2025, 7:06 AM

Kate Middleton and Prince William’s Planned Move from Adelaide Cottage Causes 2 Families to Vacate Their Homes

Life for the Prince and Princess of Wales is once again in transition. Kate Middleton and Prince William, who moved into Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor royal estate in 2022, are preparing to relocate to a new home — Forest Lodge — later this year. The move, though exciting for the royal couple and their three children, has had ripple effects for two families living nearby, who were asked to vacate their homes in preparation for the royals’ arrival.

The Move from Adelaide Cottage to Forest Lodge

Adelaide Cottage, a four-bedroom property steeped in history, became the family’s main base just three years ago. It offered the Prince and Princess of Wales a more private, family-friendly life outside the bustle of central London, where their children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — began attending Lambrook School in nearby Ascot.

Now, the family of five is set to move into Forest Lodge, a larger eight-bedroom property located within Windsor Great Park. The home provides not only more space but also the kind of privacy and security that the royals require as their children grow older and Prince William’s role as heir to the throne intensifies.

Two Families Asked to Leave Nearby Homes

According to reports, two families living in cottages close to Forest Lodge were asked to vacate their residences earlier this summer. The cottages, which were once converted stables and are part of the Crown Estate, had been rented out to tenants for several years.

While this could have raised concerns about forced evictions, sources confirmed that no eviction notices were served. Instead, the tenants were relocated to “similar or better housing” within the Great Park, all still managed by the Crown Estate. In other words, the families were moved, not displaced.

Still, the change came as a surprise. “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,” a source explained to the Daily Mail.

Renovations and Privacy Measures at Forest Lodge

Forest Lodge itself is undergoing a series of adjustments ahead of the Wales family’s arrival. These include minor renovations, which are reportedly being paid for privately by Kate and William. Prince William, through his role as Duke of Cornwall, receives around $30 million annually from the Duchy of Cornwall Estate, giving him the financial means to personally fund the updates.

In addition to renovations, new shrubs and privacy screens have been planted around the property. These measures reflect the royals’ ongoing efforts to balance the family’s public role with their need for private, secure spaces to raise their children.

A Long-Term Home for the Future King and Queen

Kensington Palace has already confirmed that “The Wales family will move house later this year.” The relocation is seen as part of the family’s long-term plan, with many royal watchers believing Forest Lodge could remain their primary residence even when Prince William becomes King.

The move echoes the couple’s decision to settle into Adelaide Cottage in 2022, a choice influenced by their desire to give their children a quieter upbringing away from London. At the time, sources close to the couple shared that while their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall, remained their “happy place,” the realities of William’s and Kate’s duties meant they needed a base closer to London and Windsor.

“The reality is they are quite confined in what they can do in London,” a family friend told The Sunday Times at the time. “The kids can't go into the park and kick a football with friends. Their plan is to be there for the next 10 to 15 years and then move to Anmer, which is so special to them.”

Balancing Royal Duties and Family Life

For Prince William and Kate, the move to Forest Lodge represents more than just a change of address. It reflects their ongoing effort to strike a delicate balance between their royal responsibilities and their role as parents. The couple has long emphasised the importance of giving George, Charlotte, and Louis as normal a childhood as possible — even as they prepare the eldest, Prince George, for his future role as King.

The larger home and its secluded location within Windsor Great Park will allow the children greater freedom to play, explore, and enjoy activities away from the public eye. At the same time, the property’s size and security will give the couple more flexibility to host official engagements and family gatherings.

The Bigger Picture for the Crown Estate

The relocation of two families highlights the unique challenges of living within Crown Estate properties. Unlike typical landlords, the Crown Estate operates with the interests of the monarchy in mind, which means tenants can occasionally be asked to move for reasons beyond their control. While this can be disruptive, in this instance the families appear to have been accommodated fairly, with moves into equal or better housing.

For the royal household, such measures are often seen as necessary for ensuring privacy and security — critical concerns for the family of a future King and Queen.

Conclusion

As Kate Middleton and Prince William prepare to move into Forest Lodge later this year, the decision underscores their long-term vision for family life within Windsor. While their relocation has meant changes for nearby residents, the Crown Estate’s efforts to rehouse tenants in comparable homes have softened the impact.

The move highlights the balancing act of modern royal life: maintaining security and privacy while raising children in as normal an environment as possible. With Forest Lodge set to be the Wales family’s base for years to come, the move represents not just a new chapter in their domestic life, but also a strategic step in preparing for Prince William’s future as King.

Meta Description:
Kate Middleton and Prince William are set to leave Adelaide Cottage for Forest Lodge in Windsor later this year. Two nearby families were asked to relocate but have been moved to equal or better Crown Estate homes as the royals prepare their long-term residence.