For many in Windsor, hunting for the perfect Christmas tree this year has turned into an unexpected detour — and people are not happy. After the couple moved into Forest Lodge, the prestigious Georgian mansion now serving as their “forever home,” local authorities erected a strict security safety-zone around the property. Marie Claire+2LBC+2

That means shoppers heading to the nearby The Christmas Tree Shop — previously just a short drive from many homes — are being forced onto a one-mile detour. The temporary reroute is adding frustrating time to a trip that used to be simple, and some describe the new route as a real headache. LBC+1

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Locals say the change isn’t just inconvenient — it’s also causing safety concerns. One driver warned that the traffic cones marking the diversion had already led to a few “near-misses,” with some motorists reportedly swerving the wrong way to navigate the new route. Marie Claire+1

And it’s not just the drive-by access that’s stirred frustration. Security officers have been stationed in the Christmas Tree Shop’s parking lot to prevent shoppers from inadvertently encroaching on the estate — a move some feel is excessive given the festive nature of the shopping trip. LBC+1

For many longtime residents, the rerouting — and the heightened security presence — feel like a sign of how life has changed around the palace grounds. For others, it’s a stark reminder that even holiday traditions can be disrupted by royal protocol.

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