Prince William and Kate Middleton are reportedly considering an upgrade from their modest Windsor residence, Adelaide Cottage, to a grander and more historic estate, the gothic-style Fort Belvedere, as their royal family continues to grow and evolve.
Accoridng to MailOnline, the Prince and Princess of Wales, both 43, have been raising Prince George (12), Princess Charlotte (10), and Prince Louis (7) at the four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage since their move from Kensington Palace in August 2022. However, royal insiders suggest the couple now feel the residence no longer meets their needs, especially as they begin looking into senior school options for George and focus on long-term privacy and space for their children.
Fort Belvedere, tucked away in Windsor Great Park, checks all the boxes. With eight bedrooms, a swimming pool, tennis court, and 59 acres of lush grounds, the estate offers the privacy and recreational facilities the family desires. Princess Charlotte is known to be an avid tennis player and the on-site court is said to be a major draw.
Originally constructed in the 18th century, Fort Belvedere is best known as the former residence of Edward VIII, who famously signed his abdication papers there in 1936 to marry Wallis Simpson. The property has since passed through various hands, including Queen Elizabeth’s cousin Gerald Lascelles and Canadian billionaire Galen Weston, who leased it from the Crown Estate in the 1980s.
Despite the allure of the estate, sources emphasize that no move is imminent. Other options such as relocating to Royal Lodge, Prince Andrew’s current residence, or moving into a wing of Windsor Castle, have reportedly been ruled out due to logistical or personal challenges.
The potential move would symbolize a new chapter for the Waleses, especially following Princess Kate’s recent recovery from cancer treatment. Adelaide Cottage served as a quiet retreat during her health journey, but Fort Belvedere could provide the space and security needed as their family steps into the next stage of royal life.
As the couple carefully weigh their choices, one thing remains clear: privacy, comfort, and practicality are central to their decision — and Fort Belvedere seems to offer all three in royal measure.