Prince William intends to remain in his new eight-bedroom Forest Lodge home even after becoming King, making him the first British monarch since medieval times not to live in a castle or palace – raising serious questions about the future of Buckingham Palace after its £369 million refurbishment.
The Prince and Princess of Wales will move their family to the Grade II-listed Georgian mansion in Windsor Great Park later this year, paying market rent for what sources describe as their “forever home”. The decision comes as the couple seek a “fresh start” following Kate’s cancer treatment and what William called the “hardest year” of his life.
A Kensington Palace spokesman confirmed: “The Wales family will move house later this year,” but the implications stretch far beyond a simple change of address.
A Palace Without a King
Daily Mail sources reveal it is William’s “intention” to remain at Forest Lodge once he accedes to the throne, fundamentally challenging centuries of royal tradition. This is for the long term and it’s their intention to stay in Forest Lodge once he becomes king,” a well-placed source disclosed.
The move raises unprecedented questions about Buckingham Palace’s future viability as the sovereign’s official London residence. With £369 million of public funds currently being invested in a decade-long refurbishment programme, concerns are mounting about whether taxpayers will tolerate such expenditure on what could effectively become Britain’s most expensive museum.
“The late Queen said she had to be seen to be believed,” one palace insider warned. I just hope that the Prince of Wales can find the right balance between raising his family away from the public glare at Windsor with the presence required of him as a future, and eventual, head of state.
Families Forced to Vacate
The royal couple’s relocation has already caused upheaval, with two families reportedly asked to leave cottages neighbouring Forest Lodge to make way for security arrangements. The Mail on Sunday revealed tenants living in properties converted from the mansion’s former stables were given notice to vacate, though the Crown Estate ensured they were moved to “similar or better residences” elsewhere on the 4,800-acre estate.
“They were not expecting it,” a source told the publication. Those houses are very close to the lodge, so they’re not going to want any Tom, Dick, or Harry living in those houses if there are going to be royals there.
No Palace Life for George, Charlotte and Louis
Forest Lodge represents a significant upgrade from the family’s current four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage, boasting six bathrooms, a tennis court, elaborate plaster cornices, marble fireplaces and a distinctive half-barrel vaulted ceiling. The property underwent £1.5 million restoration works in 2001 and was previously marketed at £15,000 per month.
Yet despite its grandeur, the 1770s mansion is modest compared to traditional royal residences like Prince Andrew’s 30-room Royal Lodge or Prince Edward’s Bagshot Park with its reported 50-120 rooms. The Waleses will have no live-in staff, maintaining their fiercely guarded family privacy.
They want to continue to do the school run, even if they are king and queen,” a source revealed, underlining the couple’s determination to provide their children with as normal an upbringing as possible.
Historic Royal Properties Face Uncertain Future
William’s pragmatic approach extends beyond his own living arrangements. Sources indicate he plans to open Buckingham Palace to more tourists year-round, potentially using it for government and charitable events rather than as a residence. Private estates like Sandringham and Balmoral could also see increased public access.
The timing is particularly sensitive given King Charles, 76, has yet to move into Buckingham Palace from neighbouring Clarence House, with renovation works not due for completion until 2027. By then, Charles will be 78 and William 45, potentially making any royal occupation brief.
Almost 85 years after the Queen Mother stood among Buckingham Palace’s bomb damage declaring she could “look the East End in the face,” her great-grandson appears ready to abandon the building entirely as a royal home.
A ‘Fresh Start’ After Cancer Battle
The move follows what royal sources describe as “three really tough years” for the family, including both Kate and King Charles’s cancer diagnoses. While the Princess of Wales announced she was in remission in January, she has spoken candidly about the challenges of finding a “new normal” after treatment.
“It’s a fresh start for them after three really tough years,” a source explained. They are looking forward to creating many happy memories in their new home and leaving some of the unhappier ones behind.”
The family will retain their 20-room Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace for work purposes and Anmer Hall in Norfolk as a holiday retreat, though questions remain about the viability of maintaining multiple residences that see minimal use.
Christmas Tree Concerns
Local residents have largely welcomed their new royal neighbours, though concerns have been raised about the popular Christmas tree shop run by the royal estate near Forest Lodge. Thousands of people from the area come to buy home-grown Windsor trees each year over a glass of mulled wine,” one local explained. “But it means people will be driving past their front door all day over the festive season and people think it will have to be moved.”
William and Kate are funding all renovations themselves, with planning permission already granted for minor internal and external alterations including window removal and fireplace modifications. Building work has begun, with the family hoping to complete their move before Christmas.
As one royal observer noted: “To all intents and purposes, he will be the first monarch since medieval times not to live in a castle or a palace.” Whether the British public will accept a king who chooses an eight-bedroom lodge over Buckingham Palace remains to be seen.
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Image Credit (Shortened):
Cambridge family at Trooping the Colour 2019 – by Londisland, licensed under CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
