The Prince and Princess of Wales are ushering in the new year with a monumental fresh start, moving into what is anticipated to be their family's "forever home." Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom Georgian mansion within Windsor Great Park, represents a significant new chapter for William, Kate, and their three children following a period of personal challenge.
A Sanctuary for a New Chapter
The family's relocation from four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage to the Grade II listed Forest Lodge was confirmed in August 2025. This move marks a substantial upgrade in accommodation, providing the space needed for a growing family. Royal expert Katie Nicholl notes that after a difficult two years, including Kate's cancer battle, the family is looking forward to leaving that period behind. "Forest Lodge is a new start," Nicholl says. "It's a chance to... very much look to the future."
While the property belongs to the Crown Estate and is valued at approximately £16 million, William and Kate will be renting it. Reports suggest their monthly rent could exceed £15,000. The mansion, parts of which date to the 1770s, sits on a private, secured plot within the park. Enhanced privacy measures include new gates, high-tech CCTV, fencing, and the creation of a 150-acre exclusion zone.
Kate's 'Keep It Real' Approach to Interiors
Despite the home's grandeur, featuring a sweeping drive, tennis court, ballroom, and period details like marble fireplaces, the Princess of Wales is known for her practical and elegant touch. Kate, who was hands-on with renovations at their Kensington Palace apartment and Norfolk home Anmer Hall, favours a contemporary, classic style with neutral shades.
She has enlisted celebrated interior designer Ben Pentreath, who has worked on her previous homes. However, Nicholl emphasises that Kate's taste is not ostentatious. "She's not overly ostentatious... When it comes to her wardrobe, she mixes McQueen with a bit of high street, and I think she'll do the same when it comes to interior design at home," the expert reveals. This pragmatic approach extends to the children's spaces, where pieces from IKEA have been incorporated alongside British brands.
A Family-First Aesthetic for George, Charlotte and Louis
The couple's three children are central to the home's design. Given the children's love for baking, crafting, and the outdoors, the interiors will prioritise a family-first, practical aesthetic. "You've got three young kids running around, and we know how much they love their arts and crafts, and being outdoors," adds Nicholl. The family's passion for gardening is also set to flourish in their new grounds, potentially including beehives like those they kept at Anmer Hall.
Strategically located, Forest Lodge is under an hour from the Middleton family home in Bucklebury, four miles from the children's school, Lambrook, and within a manageable commute to their London offices at Kensington Palace. As they settle in, the Wales family looks forward to creating cherished memories through board games, home-cooked meals with home-grown vegetables, and perhaps even piano sessions, given Kate's musical talent.
This move to a more secluded, family-oriented estate, away from a traditional palace, may signal the couple's vision for a modern monarchy. As Katie Nicholl observes, it could be a nod towards "royalty with a small 'r'," as William and Kate continue to shape their royal roles in their own distinctive way.
