In November last year, the Prince and Princess of Wales – William and Kate – moved into Forest Lodge, their new home in Windsor Great Park, where they live with their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Widely understood as their ‘forever home’, the move to Forest Lodge marks a new phase for the young royal family. Located roughly four miles from their previous residence, Adelaide Cottage, the Georgian mansion represents a deliberate shift to a larger, more permanent home.
The family reportedly relocated during the children’s half-term holidays, giving them time to settle in before the new school term.
What is Forest Lodge like?
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If you’re expecting a humble lodge with wooden beams and cosy rustic interiors, think again. Forest Lodge is an eight-bedroom, Grade II listed Georgian mansion located in Windsor Great Park in Berkshire.
Originally known as ‘Holly Grove,’ Forest Lodge was built in the 1770s and was purchased by the Crown in 1829. With a red-brick exterior, stucco pilasters and grand bay windows, the house is an elegant example of symmetrical Georgian architecture at work.
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Today, although not much is known about Forest Lodge’s interiors, minor renovations took place prior to the family’s arrival. These were believed to include new windows and doors as well as some more general repairs which the couple personally paid for.
The history of Windsor Great Park dates back to pre-Saxon times. It has royal links going back to King William I, who used the land for hunting. In the 17th century, King Charles II then built The Long Walk, which some may remember seeing during Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral.
Do William and Kate live anywhere else?
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Although Forest Lodge is William and Kate’s primary residence, the couple’s official London residence is Kensington Palace, where their offices remain.
The palace was first purchased by King William III and Queen Mary II in 1689, and it’s had a strong connection with the Royal Family ever since. Both Queen Victoria and Queen Mary were born in Kensington Palace, and the Duke of Edinburgh stayed there during the time in between his engagement and marriage.
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William and Kate also have a holiday retreat in Anmer Hall, a Georgian country home in Norfolk which was gifted to the couple as a wedding present from Queen Elizabeth II. Anmer is part of the Sandringham Estate, located two miles from Sandringham House, which is the traditional gathering point for the Royal Family at Christmas.
Forest Lodge, meanwhile, is located near Lambrook school, where George, Charlotte and Louis are all currently attending school, making it a convenient location for the family. Here, William and Kate appear to have found a quiet, historic home from which they can build their young family’s foundation.
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