Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 17, 2025 · Entertainment

Royal Upgrades: William & Kate's Move to 'Forever Home' Sparks Cottage Relocations

Two families have been asked to leave their homes so the Prince and Princess of Wales can live in the eight-bedroom mansion, Forest Lodge

ROYAL RUMBLE: PRINCE WILLIAM AND KATE'S EXPANSION INTO GRAND ESTATE ROCKS TWO FAMILIES

In a shocking move, Prince William and his wife Kate have been given the green light to vacate two families from their homes so they can move into an 8-bedroom mansion in Windsor Great Park. The royal couple's new pad, Forest Lodge, is said to be their "forever home," but insiders claim it's not grand enough for a future king.

Forest Lodge, a stunning Grade II-listed property with chandelier-lit ballrooms and tennis courts, has been the subject of speculation for months. Sources close to the royal family confirm that William and Kate are set to make the move from their current residence at Adelaide Cottage later this year. But what's really behind this sudden change?

William, Kate and their three children are set to move to the 300-year-old home later this year

According to insiders, two families who lived in cottages next to Forest Lodge were given just a few weeks' notice to vacate their properties. The tenants, Alex Fitzgibbons and his wife Cristina Stenbeck, are said to have been "surprised" by the move, but are reportedly moving on to new homes within Windsor Great Park.

"It was like a sledgehammer blow," says a source close to one of the families. "They were given no explanation or warning, just a sudden demand to leave their homes."

But the real question is: what's behind this sudden need for more space? Insiders suggest that William and Kate are looking to leave their memories of recent challenges behind. The royal couple has faced its fair share of hardships in recent years, including the loss of Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles's cancer diagnosis.

Forest Lodge is a considerable upgrade from the cosy four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage

"Forest Lodge is a fresh start for them," claims a source close to the palace. "They're hoping to put some of the unhappy memories behind them and start anew."

But will Forest Lodge be their permanent home? Insiders claim that William and Kate have been considering several other options, including Fort Belvedere, a stunning Gothic-revival mansion in Windsor Great Park.

The couple's decision to move into Forest Lodge raises questions about their future plans for Buckingham Palace. As the renovation of the palace gets underway, it seems unlikely that William will ever live there as King.

William and Kate moved to Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace in 2013 after it was refurbished at a cost of £4.5 million. It remains their official London residence.

"It's a bit strange," says a royal insider. "William is the first monarch not to live in a palace or castle. It's a break with tradition."

But Forest Lodge isn't just any ordinary home – it's steeped in history and has been home to some of the most influential people in British society. In the 1990s, it was used by Lord Napier, Princess Margaret's private secretary.

And there are whispers that Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, had once considered moving into Forest Lodge after her divorce from Prince Andrew.

Anmer Hall, a ten-bedroom Georgian house on the Sandringham Estate, was a wedding gift to the couple from Queen Elizabeth. It is their country residence

"Prince Philip vetoed it," claims a source close to the palace. "He didn't want her living in such an exclusive neighborhood."

As for the royal couple themselves, they're said to be paying for their new home and renting at no extra cost to taxpayers.

But what about their current London residence? Insiders claim that Kensington Palace will remain their official London base, with office staff staying put.

The choice of Forest Lodge as their long-term family home raises questions about the future of Buckingham Palace after William becomes King

"It's a bit of a confusing situation," says a palace source. "They'll have two homes, but they won't be living in the palace full-time."

And what about Anmer Hall, the 10-bedroom Norfolk property gifted to them as a wedding present? Insiders claim that they'll keep it as a weekend retreat.

"It's a bit of a juggling act," says a source close to the royal couple. "They'll have three homes, but which one will be their main residence?"

Royal insiders say William and Kate are hoping for a 'fresh start' at Forest Lodge following a challenging period for the Royal Family

Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Prince William and Kate's decision to move into Forest Lodge has sent shockwaves through the palace.

As one insider puts it: "It's a bit of a gamble. But who knows? Maybe they'll make it work."

Additional reporting by The Scholarly Note

Philanthropist and ex-Tory donor Alisa Swidler was a high-profile former tenant of William and Kate's 'forever home' before her death in 2019 aged 47. Pictured: Ms Swidler with David and Samantha Cameron at the Conservative Summer Ball in 2016

We're delighted to bring you this exclusive scoop, straight from the heart of Windsor Great Park. Stay tuned for more updates on the royal family's latest move!