An extraordinary piece of royal history has been revealed, directly linking the Prince and Princess of Wales's new Windsor home to the secret life of King Edward VII. Previously classified documents, hidden for decades, have been unearthed, shedding new light on the storied past of Forest Lodge.
The files, kept secret under the Official Secrets Act, detail how the secluded property on the Windsor Great Park estate was a private sanctuary for Edward VII, Queen Victoria's son, away from the prying eyes of the court and the public. It was a place for discreet meetings and private entertaining, far from the formality of palace life.
A Sanctuary For A Monarch
The papers confirm that the King, then Prince of Wales, was granted the residence by his mother. He famously referred to it as a 'miniature Sandringham', utilising it as a tranquil escape. The documents detail the intimate nature of the lodge, which was staffed by just a housekeeper and a footman, emphasising its use as a private bolthole rather than an official royal residence.
From Edward VII to William and Kate
This historical revelation adds a profound new layer of significance to William and Kate's move to the four-bedroom property earlier this year. The couple, who are currently undertaking a significant renovation of the home, are now unwittingly following in the footsteps of their ancestor, restoring a dwelling with a rich and clandestine royal past.
The discovery of these secret files transforms our understanding of Forest Lodge, elevating it from a simple royal cottage to a property steeped in a unique and intimate monarchical history. It forever links the future of the monarchy, in the form of William and Kate, to a colourful chapter from its past.
