The house remained unoccupied for 20 years following Edward’s abdication, until 1955 – when a 99-year lease was bought by Gerald Lascelles, Queen Elizabeth’s first cousin, who renovated it once more, reducing the 30-40 bedrooms to eight. Following an expensive divorce, he sold the remaining 78 years of the lease to the son of the Emir of Dubai in 1976. Canadian billionaire Galen Weston and his wife, Hilary, leased the house from the early 1980s – building a polo stud in the grounds and hosting the late Queen and Prince Philip for Hilary’s 60th birthday party.
Now, The Fort is expected to enjoy a new era as home to William, Kate and their children, George, Charlotte and Louis. ‘They feel they have outgrown Adelaide Cottage and need somewhere more substantial,’ one insider said. ‘This is the perfect new home for them. It has a swimming pool and tennis court, and Charlotte loves playing tennis.’
Anmer Hall in Norfolk, the Wales’ weekend getaway, which they were given in 2010
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Although any prospective move is said to be far from imminent, it would certainly suit the family well: Fort Belvedere is a ten-minute walk from Windsor Castle (making it extremely convenient for trips to see Grandpa) and a short drive from Lambrook School, which is attended by Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. It is, furthermore, extremely close to Eton College, where Prince George is rumoured to be starting in September. The family would retain their Norfolk bolthole, Anmer Hall: a 19th century, 10-bedroom mansion given to William and Kate following the announcement of their engagement.