Prince William has been described as 'naive' for thinking he can remain at his family home, Forest Lodge, after he becomes king, according to a former royal courtier. The Prince of Wales, who is next in line to the throne, moved into the eight-bedroom Grade-II listed property in Windsor Great Park in 2025 with his wife Catherine, the Princess of Wales, and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. The house was intended as a 'forever home' and a fresh start following Catherine's recovery from cancer, after what William called a 'brutal' 2024. The Princess confirmed she was in remission in early 2025.
Exclusion zone and local frustration
Before the family's relocation from Adelaide Cottage, an exclusion zone was established around Forest Lodge in September 2024. Residents living within half a mile had previously been able to apply for keys to the nearby Cranbourne Gate for an annual fee of £110, but the permanent closure of the gate and Cranbourne car park caused frustration. Additional fencing was introduced along parts of the 2.3-mile perimeter of the 150-acre no-go zone. Trespassing on the protected site is a criminal offence under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005.
Historic royal residences: a barrier to staying
The Wales family also owns Anmer Hall, a 10-bedroom mansion on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, and Apartment 1A in Kensington Palace in London. However, it is believed that they cannot continue living at Forest Lodge once the Crown passes to William. An ex-royal courtier told royal expert Christopher Wilson in The Daily Mail: 'Obviously, he means Forest Lodge to be a secluded family home for him, his wife and children, and that's entirely understandable. But Windsor Castle was built by William the Conqueror and our Royal Family has lived there ever since - whatever the prince's plans for modernising the monarchy, that's one thing he can't get around.'
The source added: 'Buckingham Palace has been occupied by the royals for 200 years, and you can see it's outgrown its appropriateness as a home. Windsor, on the other hand, has been lived in for a thousand years.'
King Charles's decision on Buckingham Palace
In June 2026, it was confirmed that King Charles and Queen Camilla will not live at Buckingham Palace once the almost £370 million refurbishment is completed. The building will remain the operational centre of 'monarchy HQ', but the monarch has decided it will not be his official residence. Clarence House will remain his London home. This decision underscores the enduring role of Windsor Castle as a royal residence, reinforcing the expectation that William will eventually have to move there.
