In a surprising development within royal circles, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, has officially taken up residence at Prince Andrew's Windsor home, Royal Lodge, while the Prince of Wales prepares for significant changes to his own living arrangements.
A New Chapter at Royal Lodge
The Duchess of York, who remained close to her former husband despite their 1996 divorce, has moved her personal belongings into the 30-room mansion where Prince Andrew has lived since 2004. This move comes after months of speculation about the future of the property and follows reports that the Duke of York was considering downsizing.
"Sarah has been staying there for a while, but this marks a permanent move," revealed a palace insider. "Her belongings have been gradually arriving, and she's now properly settled in."
William's Transition to Adelaide Cottage
Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales is preparing to shift his family's primary residence from Kensington Palace to the more modest Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor Estate. This four-bedroom property, significantly smaller than their current London home, represents a conscious decision to provide a more normal upbringing for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
The Wales family will maintain a presence at Kensington Palace for official duties but will primarily base themselves in Windsor, closer to the children's new school, Lambrook.
Buckingham Palace's Major Renovation
These residential changes coincide with King Charles's decision not to move into Buckingham Palace while it undergoes a decade-long, £369 million renovation. Instead, the monarch will continue using Clarence House as his London base while regularly staying at Windsor Castle.
The extensive palace refurbishment, described as the most significant in generations, includes replacing ancient electrical wiring, plumbing, and heating systems that haven't been updated since the 1950s.
Royal Engagements Continue
Amid these domestic transitions, Prince William is preparing for a significant international engagement—a trip to New York to promote his Earthshot Prize initiative and meet with UN officials. This marks his first visit to the United States in eight years and underscores his ongoing environmental commitments.
The convergence of these residential moves signals a period of significant change for the royal family, reflecting both practical considerations and evolving approaches to royal life in the modern era.
