The Prince and Princess of Wales have finally settled into their new multi-million-pound family home in Windsor, but the long-awaited move has been met with significant local friction and a series of controversies.
A Georgian Mansion Becomes a Royal Family Home
Prince William and Princess Catherine, along with their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, have taken up residence at Forest Lodge. This eight-bedroom Georgian property is nestled within the sprawling, 4,800-acre Windsor Great Park. The family relocated from their previous home, Adelaide Cottage, which they moved to in 2022 seeking a more relaxed environment away from the bustle of Kensington Palace.
Described by royal commentators as a potential "forever home" for the young family, the £16 million mansion offers woodland seclusion. However, the transition to this idyllic setting has been far from smooth, with several points of contention arising with the local community in Berkshire.
Security Measures and Access Restrictions Cause Uproar
The most immediate source of local anger has been the implementation of strict new security protocols around the royal residence. Authorities have established a 2.3-mile, 150-acre exclusion zone around Forest Lodge, leading to the immediate closure of a popular car park and the Cranbourne Gate entrance to Windsor Great Park.
Residents who had paid £110 annually for access keys claim they received no prior warning or detailed explanation beyond "security" concerns. Many feel a cherished part of the community has been abruptly "taken away." The enhanced security includes state-of-the-art CCTV, new privacy hedging, and warnings that trespassers face immediate arrest, with plain-clothes officers reportedly monitoring the area.
The restrictions have also impacted seasonal traditions. Visitors to the park's Christmas Tree Shop now face a mile-long diversion due to road closures intended to prevent traffic passing the home. Locals have complained of inconvenience and described the new circular route as "chaotic."
Proximity to Prince Andrew and a Communication Breakdown
Further complicating the move is the property's awkward geographical proximity to the Duke of York. Forest Lodge lies just 1.4 miles from Royal Lodge, where Prince Andrew is reportedly spending one final Christmas before his expected eviction. Given Prince William's known firm stance regarding his uncle, this close distance has been described by sources as "far from ideal" and a potential "nightmare."
Underpinning all these issues is a strong sentiment from the local community about a lack of consultation. Long-standing users of the park, including horse riders and dog walkers, have expressed fury at the sudden changes. One resident revealed they had written to Clarence House to complain but noted they "don't expect a reply," highlighting a perceived disconnect between the royal household and the people who live nearby.
While Forest Lodge represents a dream family base for the Waleses, its occupation has underscored the delicate balance between royal privacy and public access, leaving a segment of the Windsor community feeling sidelined and frustrated.
