Prince William's New Home Brings E-Scooter Ban and Neighbour Discontent
Prince William and Princess Kate have recently settled into their luxurious "forever home" at Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, but the transition has not been without controversy. The future King has encountered an unexpected prohibition on one of his favourite pastimes, while local residents voice significant frustration over new security measures that have altered their access to cherished public spaces.
E-Scooter Prohibition Hits Royal Hobby
The move to Forest Lodge has brought with it a notable restriction for Prince William. Windsor Great Park maintains strict regulations against motorised transport within its grounds, explicitly banning e-scooters, hoverboards, and one-wheels for safety and traffic management reasons. This represents a significant change for William, who was frequently seen using an e-scooter around Windsor Castle when living at his previous Adelaide Cottage residence.
The Prince of Wales openly discussed his affection for scootering during an appearance on Apple TV's 'The Reluctant Traveller' last year, where he surprised host Eugene Levy by arriving on an electric scooter. William explained that the vehicle helped him maintain punctuality for meetings at the castle. Despite this personal preference, sources indicate William is prepared to comply with the park's rules, abandoning his e-scooter use to respect the regulations of the 4,800-acre estate.
Local Residents Express Mounting Frustration
Beyond the royal e-scooter ban, the Wales family's relocation has generated considerable discontent among some Windsor Great Park neighbours. The implementation of enhanced security measures around Forest Lodge has resulted in approximately 150 acres of previously accessible land being cordoned off, creating what authorities designate as a "Serious Organised Crime and Police Act exclusion area."
Local resident Tina, who owns property near the royal couple's new home, articulated the community's concerns to the Mirror. "By closing Cranbourne Gate car park and an area of land behind Forest Lodge about three times the size of St James' Park, thousands of people from miles around have been affected," she explained. Tina emphasised how these restrictions have particularly impacted dog walkers, limiting options for exercising pets in open fields and forcing overcrowding in remaining public areas.
Security Measures Transform Community Landscape
The security enhancements around Forest Lodge include extensive fencing, new CCTV installations, police patrols, and prominent "no public entry" signage. These measures, while designed to protect the royal family from potential threats, have fundamentally altered the character of the historic parkland. The exclusion zone extends approximately 2.3 miles around the mansion, with trespassers facing potential arrest under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act.
Additional consequences of the security arrangements include the closure of a children's environmental education centre within the exclusion zone, a development that may particularly disappoint William given his well-documented environmental advocacy. The Crown Estate has acknowledged the impact, stating they are working with wildlife trusts to identify alternative locations for educational activities.
Broader Community Impact and Divided Opinions
The changes have affected more than just recreational access. Two families have been evicted from nearby cottages to accommodate the Wales family's privacy requirements, while the Cranbourne Gate car park closure has disrupted longstanding community routines. Tina described encountering numerous upset residents during the final days of access, noting that some were moved to tears by the loss of walking areas they had enjoyed for years.
However, perspectives within the community remain divided. Another local resident expressed excitement about the royal presence, suggesting that security measures were necessary precautions rather than personal decisions by William and Kate. "We love the royals and William and Kate, and it's so exciting they are moving to Forest Lodge," the resident commented, attributing the changes to legitimate security concerns rather than royal preference.
Despite paying market rates for their £16 million mansion and covering renovation costs personally rather than using Sovereign Grant funds, the royal couple faces ongoing criticism from some quarters. Tina summarised the sentiment of disaffected residents by questioning the proportionality of the land restrictions: "It's not the royals' back garden. This is not a decision in the national interest for tens of thousands of people to lose access to public land."
