Prince William and Princess Kate have moved into their new home in Windsor, which is good news for the Wales family, but troubling news for their neighbors with new restrictions put in place.
When the move to Forest Lodge was first announced, a number of people were re-housed to make room for the royals. And now that the move has happened, the parking lot and gate to the park have been closed off to neighbors.
In addition to being locked out, CCTV cameras, massive fences and tall landscaping have been put in place to keep trespassers out, and if someone is to enter, they will be arrested. According to royal expert Ian Pelham Turner, this isn’t very neighborly, nor royal-like, with members of the Royal Family considered public servants.
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According to Mr. Pelham Turner, a TV presenter in the U.K., this is going back to the “feudal system” when royals would create a boundary between themselves and the commoners.
He said: “Perhaps a notice should be put up on the Palace gates reminding them of their solemn oaths and listen to the people, rather than running roughshod over them.”
Those living near Forest Lodge, in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, were not given any notice of the ban, just waking up to a statement, saying they were no longer allowed to use the parking lot or the park. And it’s not like the neighbors can contest this with the restrictions coming from the police force.
This is a sore sport for Pelham Turner, as this goes against what the monarchy stands for, to stand up for the public.
He said: “The Royal Family should never forget they are the servants for British values, making promises in cathedrals and Coronations.”
William and Kate’s new neighbors have lost their park privileges
A number of residents who live in the area have come forward, expressing their aggravation.
One neighbor said: “We pay annually towards the upkeep of a park but we are no longer going to be allowed to use part of it.”
She added: “They’ve only given us a few days’ notice to say this section of forest is closing forever. Now I’ll need to get in my car to drive further afield to take my dog for a walk.”
A second neighbor described it as a “kick in the teeth,” surprised to learn about the new restrictions.
She said: “Many of us have been walking our dogs here for 20 years so to be told we can’t any more is a kick in the teeth”
Some of their neighbors have lived in the area for over 20 years
A third neighbor understands it’s not personal and it’s about protection, but at the same time, the neighbors are being treated as a threat.
It seems some steps were skipped and this could have been handled better by giving neighbors plenty of notice to make plans accordingly, especially when it comes to parking their cars, and it wouldn’t have been such a shock to the system.
Also, like in the US, where there is residence parking, possibly that could have been an option, but it doesn’t seem like that was a consideration.
William has spoken openly about his family coming first, which is understandable, but in this case, it seems like the public is coming last.
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