“WE’RE READY” – Prince William and Princess Catherine Begin Renovation of New £16M Windsor Great Park Home 
The next chapter in the lives of the Prince and Princess of Wales is taking shape not in the gilded halls of Buckingham Palace, but in the serene heart of Windsor Great Park. Prince William and Princess Catherine have confirmed the start of renovations at their new residence, Forest Lodge — an elegant Grade II–listed Georgian house valued at £16 million.
A Family Home in the Park
Forest Lodge, with its distinctive eight bedrooms, Venetian windows, and vaulted hallway, is more than just a royal residence. It represents a deliberate shift in how William and Catherine wish to raise their children and lead their family life. Set within the picturesque 5,000-acre Windsor Great Park, the property offers both grandeur and intimacy, blending historic charm with a natural, secluded environment.
Unlike Buckingham Palace or Kensington Palace, which bustle with official staff and constant public attention, Forest Lodge promises a quieter existence. “We’re ready,” William and Catherine are reported to have said, signaling their determination to create a modern, down-to-earth royal household.
Renovations with Purpose
The renovations planned for the property are described as modest and practical. Work will include installing new windows and doors, repairing ceilings, and updating the floors. Importantly, all costs are being covered privately by the couple, ensuring no burden falls on taxpayers.
Despite its price tag, the refurbishment avoids the extravagance often associated with royal properties. The focus, insiders suggest, is on functionality, comfort, and making Forest Lodge a genuine home for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Historic Elegance and Modern Comfort
The estate itself is rich in character. Beyond its marble fireplaces and sweeping Georgian design, Forest Lodge offers cottages, a private pond, and even a tennis court. Each element speaks to a lifestyle that balances tradition with modern family needs. The Venetian-style windows bathe rooms in natural light, while the vaulted hallway evokes the grandeur of English country homes.
Yet for all its historic charm, the house is not intended as a palace of distance and ceremony. William and Catherine reportedly plan to live without permanent inside staff — a striking break from royal tradition. This choice underscores their vision of intimacy, independence, and relatability in an era where the monarchy faces increasing calls for transparency and modernization.
A Modern Royal Life
The move to Windsor Great Park is more than just a change of address. It reflects the Prince and Princess of Wales’s broader commitment to shaping a monarchy that feels relevant to today’s Britain. By choosing a home away from the rigid formalities of central London, they signal a desire to prioritize family, privacy, and authenticity.
For William, the future king, and Catherine, future queen consort, Forest Lodge is a statement as much as a residence. It says that royalty can embrace tradition without being trapped by it; that family life can be both regal and ordinary.
As the renovations unfold, anticipation grows. Soon, the laughter of royal children will echo through Windsor Great Park, not as heirs confined to palaces, but as a family determined to live — and grow — on their own terms.
