Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 29, 2025 · Entertainment

Royal Retreat or Resident Rift? William and Kate's New 'No-Go Zone' Sparks Local Fury

The Home Office is to create a 150 acre exclusion zone around Forest Lodge (pictured), the eight-bedroom mansion set to be home to the Prince and Princess of Wales

ROYAL RIFT: Prince and Princess of Wales's Secret 'No-Go Zone' Sparks Fury Among Locals

The usually tranquil world of Windsor Great Park is set to be transformed into a fortress, as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge prepare to move into their luxurious new home, Forest Lodge. But in a shocking twist, this grand estate will come with a massive "no-go zone" that will effectively shut out the local community from accessing a beloved part of the park.

The 150-acre exclusion zone, enforced by state-of-the-art CCTV and an imposing wooden perimeter fence, is intended to keep William, Kate, and their three adorable children - George, Charlotte, and Louis - safe from prying eyes. But this draconian measure has sparked outrage among local residents who have been left reeling from the news.

Prince William and Princess Kate are set to move their family from Adelaide Cottage and make Forest Lodge their new 'forever home' by the end of the year

"It's like they're building a wall around themselves," fumed one furious resident, who wished to remain anonymous. "We've been walking our dogs in Windsor Great Park for years, and now we're being told it's off-limits because of the royals' 'safety concerns'."

The new property, Forest Lodge, is a stunning Grade II listed Georgian mansion nestled deep within the 4,800-acre park. With its grand Venetian windows, barrel-vaulted ceiling, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, it's clear that Kate and William are looking for a fresh start after several difficult years.

The family has been living in Adelaide Cottage, their current home in Windsor Home Park, since August 2022. But despite its picturesque location, this charming property has not been without its challenges. Both Kate and the King have faced health issues during their time there - Kate was diagnosed with cancer last year and underwent chemotherapy, while the King received treatment for an undisclosed illness.

Forest Lodge is a considerable upgrade from the cosy four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage, which has been home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during challenging times including Kate and the King's cancer diagnoses and the death of Queen Elizabeth II

Sources close to the royal couple reveal that they are eager to leave behind the stress of palace life and enjoy a more private and ordinary existence in their new home. And with three rambunctious children to keep entertained, Forest Lodge's spacious grounds and picturesque surroundings promise to be the perfect haven for the young family.

But at what cost? The new exclusion zone has sparked heated debate among local residents, who are outraged by the sudden loss of access to a beloved part of Windsor Great Park. A car park is now closed, while locals will no longer be able to use the Cranbourne Gate entrance - a privilege they previously paid £110 annually for.

"It's like we're being penalized for wanting to enjoy our own park," complained one frustrated resident. "We pay our taxes and contribute to the upkeep of this beautiful green space, only to have it taken away from us because of the royals' security concerns."

Work has already begun at the Grade-II listed lodge to make the property private and secure for the Duke and his family

Despite the controversy surrounding the new measures, other residents seem sympathetic to Kate and William's need for a private haven. "They've been through a lot in recent years," said one well-wisher. "I think it's understandable that they want some peace and quiet after all they've been through."

But with the new exclusion zone set to be enforced via state-of-the-art CCTV and an imposing wooden perimeter fence, it's clear that Kate and William are determined to protect their family's new home at any cost.

As one insider revealed: "The Duke and Duchess have made it clear that they will not tolerate any trespassing or intrusion into their private lives. They're willing to do whatever it takes to keep their family safe."

KENSINGTON PALACE SILENT ON EXCLUSION ZONE ROW

When contacted for comment, Kensington Palace remained tight-lipped on the controversy surrounding the new exclusion zone. "We cannot comment on security arrangements," said a spokesperson.

But with the local community still reeling from the news, one thing is clear: the royal family's desire for a private and secure home has come at a steep price for those living nearby.

As one resident quipped: "It looks like the royals have built their own little bubble - and we're all being left to walk in the dark outside it."