The Prince and Princess of Wales are facing a renewed backlash from furious neighbours over the significant restrictions imposed around their new Windsor home, with locals branding the move 'selfish' and 'outrageous'.
A 'Forever Home' Fortified
In November, Prince William and Princess Catherine relocated to their 'forever home' at Forest Lodge, a £16 million mansion within the grounds of Windsor Great Park. While the move signified a fresh start for the royal family, it came with stringent new security measures that have profoundly impacted the local community. A 2.3-mile personal exclusion zone has been established around the property under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act, meaning anyone trespassing within this boundary faces arrest.
This security cordon, implemented by the Home Office and Thames Valley Police, has resulted in the closure of approximately 150 acres of previously public land. For residents who have enjoyed unfettered access to these oak-studded fields and walking routes for decades, the change has been a devastating blow to their daily lives.
'Absolutely Gutted': Locals Voice Their Anger
The sense of betrayal among the community is palpable. Many feel they were 'ambushed' by the sudden implementation of the rules, which were announced with little warning. One long-term resident and dog walker expressed the collective dismay, stating: 'We've lived here for 20 years, it's lovely in there. We appreciate they need privacy, but it's a real shame. We are absolutely gutted.'
Another local, named Tina, who lives opposite Forest Lodge, was more forthright, calling the decision a 'selfish act'. She criticised the royals for expecting other families to be evicted and increasing public costs for their security in an area that previously required no police protection. 'Enclosing public land for the benefit of one couple is outrageous,' she said. 'It's like closing Regents Park in London and saying it doesn't matter because you can still go to Hyde Park.'
Broader Consequences: A Centre Closes and Routes Vanish
The fallout extends beyond simple walking paths. A children's environmental education centre located within the new exclusion zone has been forced to pause its activities. The Crown Estate confirmed it is working with the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust to find an alternative site, but its closure represents a significant loss for local families.
Furthermore, two families living in cottages near the Waleses' new home have been relocated. While official parking is still available at the Ranger's Gate car park, dog walkers complain it is unsuitable, being designed for horse crossings and requiring a long walk to reach areas where dogs can be off the lead.
The move has also rendered a special £60 access fee for nearby residents somewhat redundant, as the most cherished areas are now off-limits. One neighbour remarked bitterly: 'It would have been decent of them to send a bottle of wine or something to apologise.'
Kensington Palace has declined to comment on the ongoing dispute. The Crown Estate reiterated that the security boundary affects only a small part of the park and that every effort is being made to minimise disruption. However, for the Windsor community, the damage is already done, casting a shadow over the royal couple's much-publicised fresh start.
