In a moment that blends tradition with renewal, the Prince and Princess of Wales are making a move that will shape both their private family life and the future of the monarchy. Prince William, Princess Catherine, and their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—are preparing to leave behind the charming but compact Adelaide Cottage and settle permanently at Forest Lodge, an elegant Grade II-listed home within Windsor Great Park.

This decision, while framed as a personal family choice, carries layers of significance. Forest Lodge is not simply a house but a declaration of permanence. Palace sources suggest that the Wales family view it as their forever home, a place they intend to remain even after William inherits the throne. By rooting themselves in Windsor, they are continuing a centuries-old royal tradition while simultaneously redefining what a modern royal household can look like.

The location is ideal: just minutes from Windsor Castle, yet tucked away enough to provide the family with privacy and security. The children are thriving at Lambrook School, and their parents have been keen to avoid disrupting their routines. Windsor’s setting offers a unique balance—close to duty but far from the intensity of London’s glare. It allows William and Catherine to raise their children in a semi-rural environment, with space to explore and play, while maintaining proximity to official royal functions.

Forest Lodge itself tells a story of heritage and refinement. Built in the 19th century and restored in 2001 at a cost of £1.5 million, the property boasts Venetian windows, marble fireplaces, ornate plaster ceilings, and even a vaulted hallway. Its grandeur is matched by its practicality, offering eight bedrooms and expansive living spaces. Princess Catherine is said to have taken a personal hand in the interior design, choosing timeless yet functional furnishings, including a striking 24-seat dining table meant for both family gatherings and future formal occasions.

Crucially, this move is being financed entirely by William and Catherine themselves, covering both relocation and renovation costs without burdening the taxpayer. This decision stands in sharp contrast to previous controversies over royal property spending, reinforcing their image as responsible, modern custodians of their position. It is also reported that, just as at Adelaide Cottage, they will forgo live-in staff, keeping the household atmosphere as close to “normal” as possible—a rare thing in royal circles, but one the couple believes essential for their children’s upbringing.

The relocation also carries a deeply personal dimension. Adelaide Cottage, while picturesque and steeped in history, was always considered a temporary solution. It provided the family with a trial run at Windsor life after leaving Kensington Palace in 2022, but the last few years there have been marked by difficulty—personal loss, health challenges, and the weight of public scrutiny. A source close to the family described the move as a “fresh start, a chance to leave difficult memories behind and to begin anew in a place that offers both peace and permanence.”

By choosing Windsor as their base, William and Catherine echo the example of Queen Elizabeth II, who cherished her time there as both a family retreat and a seat of continuity for the monarchy. At the same time, they are setting their own path: a more down-to-earth, family-centered lifestyle that reflects their priorities as parents as much as their responsibilities as future King and Queen.

The Wales family will, of course, retain their other residences—Anmer Hall in Norfolk, where they often retreat for school holidays, and Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace, their London base for official duties. But the move to Forest Lodge is different. It is a statement of intent, a visible sign that William and Catherine are building the foundations of their long-term royal life in Windsor.

For the public, this shift is more than a domestic detail; it is a window into how the next generation of monarchy intends to live and lead. William and Catherine are balancing tradition with modern values—seeking stability, privacy, and a sense of home for their children while remaining deeply committed to their public roles.

As William once said of family life at Anmer Hall, “It’s very peaceful.” Now, with Forest Lodge, the Wales family are preparing to write the next chapter of their story—one that blends peace and permanence with duty and legacy, ensuring that Windsor remains not just a royal seat, but a family home filled with laughter, growth, and the promise of the future.