Prince William and Princess Catherine recently relocated to Forest Lodge with their children, settling into what they have called their forever home. “This is a move for the long-term,” a royal source told NBC News. “They see it as their forever home.” And with good reason. Forest Lodge is one of the most extraordinary properties in Britain, and it’s located on the grounds of Windsor Castle. Here are 10 things you probably didn’t know about the Georgian mansion the whole world is talking about.
It was once called Holly Grove — and the name change was a matter of taste
According to the Historic England National Heritage List, the official UK government register of historic buildings, the mansion was known as Holly Grove well into the 20th century. Then in 1936, Sir John Aird, the King’s Equerry who had been given use of the property, found the name “distasteful” and pushed for a change. Alternatives including “Ranger’s Lodge” were considered before “Forest Lodge” was settled on.
Forest Lodge is older than the White House
Historic England’s official register confirmed that a new house was built on the site between 1772 and 1782. That means Forest Lodge was already decades old before White House construction even began in 1792. It has held Grade II listed status since March 1972, recognising its special architectural and historic significance. The story of the home’s history is sure to be something the young family can appreciate.
It’s worth $21 million (£16 million) — that’s 59 times the average UK home
According to ELLE Decor, Forest Lodge carries an estimated market value of £16 million. With the average UK property sitting at £269,000 according to GOV.UK, that makes the Wales family’s new home worth 59.4 times the national average.
It’s double the size of their last home and has a chandelier-lit ballroom
Architectural Digest shared that Forest Lodge is a Grade II listed property with eight bedrooms and a chandelier-lit ballroom. That’s roughly double the footprint of Adelaide Cottage, the four-bedroom home where the family had lived since 2022. The mansion also features Venetian windows and extensive grounds. That’s quite the upgrade for the most popular royals.
Kate personally decorated the mansion
Marie Claire reported that Kate personally selected a 24-seat dining table from an antiques warehouse on the Windsor Estate, and she chose fabric furnishings from Marina Mill in Kent. She picked a hand-screen printed fabric brand whose managing director noted that their fabrics run upwards of £100 a meter. Royal biographer Katie Nicholl described Kate’s approach as “contemporary and classic, with neutral shades,” adding that her sense of “timeless elegance” carries straight from her wardrobe into her interior choices.
Princess Charlotte already has her eye on the tennis court
Homes & Gardens noted that the Forest Lodge property includes a tennis court said to be a favorite of both Catherine and Charlotte, who share a love of the sport. The property also has a pond and a small lake. It seems idyllic for the athletic family.
William and Kate are paying market rent unlike some other royals
According to an official letter published by the UK Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, the Wales family’s lease was negotiated at arm’s length with two independent valuers, Hamptons and Savills, which were appointed by the Crown Estate. The rent is described as “open market rent.” This stands in sharp contrast to the scrutiny Prince Andrew faced over paying just a peppercorn rent at Royal Lodge for over two decades.
Their lease runs until 2045 — yes, even if William becomes King
That same Parliament document confirms the Wales family hold a 20-year non-assignable lease on Forest Lodge starting July 5, 2025. That means it will run all the way to 2045. As shared by Marie Claire, royal insiders say William and Kate see Forest Lodge as their “forever home,” one they plan to keep as their primary residence even after William eventually becomes King. Although he may not live in Buckingham Palace, he’s sure to continue visiting frequently for events.
William celebrated the move by throwing a pub party for his builders
People reported that the family moved in ahead of schedule in October 2025, and they marked the occasion by throwing a “thank you” party for the builders and staff who worked “tirelessly” to get them into their home early. They served food and drinks to the builders who had finished everything early and got them into their home well before they had originally planned to move in December.
There’s one rule William has to follow that he’s definitely not happy about: no e-scooters
Forest Lodge is located within Windsor Great Park. As noted by Marie Claire, “all forms of motorized transport” are banned within the royal park where Prince William and Princess Kate now live. This ban includes hoverboards and e-scooters, of which William is a known fan. He was even spotted riding one on Apple TV’s The Reluctant Traveler. The ban exists for “safety reasons and traffic management.” The future King of England, grounded from his scooter. As always, he’s truly the people’s prince.
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