Residing at Forest Lodge: The Windsor residence selected for William and Kate's dwelling
Prince William and Kate Middleton to Move to Historic Georgian Residence in Windsor Great Park
Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, are set to relocate from their current residence, Adelaide Cottage, to the historic Georgian mansion, Forest Lodge, within Windsor Great Park by the end of 2025. The eight-bedroom residence, constructed between 1772 and 1782, offers a unique combination of privacy, historical significance, and royal pedigree.
Originally known as Holly Grove, the property was designed by architect Thomas Sandby, who was also the Deputy Ranger of Windsor Great Park. The house features a nine-bay front with flanking wings, which remain defining features to this day.
Forest Lodge has a rich royal history, having served as the residence for the Deputy Ranger of Windsor Great Park and various courtiers over the decades. The property was purchased by the Crown Estate in 1829 and was the official residence of the Deputy Ranger from 1830 until 1936. Notable occupants included Sir William Fremantle and Sam Murray.
In 1937, King Edward VIII renamed the house from Holly Grove House to Forest Lodge. It was subsequently inhabited by Sir John Aird, Edward VII’s equerry, and Lady Priscilla until the 1970s. The estate’s early landscape was designed by Thomas Sandby in collaboration with Henry Flitcroft, including enhancements around Virginia Water Lake near Windsor Great Park.
Over the years, Forest Lodge has been enlarged but retains its Georgian character. It is Grade II listed for its architectural and historic significance. The house has been privately leased at times, including to notable figures such as Edward VIII’s equerry and philanthropist Alisa Swidler more recently.
The move to Forest Lodge represents a "fresh start" for the family and is intended as their "forever home," where they will continue living when Prince William becomes king. The renovations and upkeep are reportedly funded privately by the couple, and they pay rent, avoiding public funds.
The family's decision to move beyond the 18-month challenge was not detailed in the article. However, it is known that the move will provide more space, privacy, and proximity to their children’s school. Forest Lodge's location is minutes from the Royal Lodge, where Prince Andrew and the York family reside.
The Duchy of Cornwall, which provides Prince William with the financial resources to maintain multiple royal residences, is primarily based on land in southwest England. The financial report for the duchy this year showed a £22.9 million profit, slightly down from the previous year’s £24 million net surplus.
Interior images from a previous period show original stonework, elaborate plaster cornices, ceiling decorations, and a distinctive half-barrel vaulted hallway ceiling. The Duchy of Cornwall is valued at £1 billion.
[1] The Telegraph. (2023, March 24). Prince William and Kate Middleton to move to Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/03/24/prince-william-kate-middleton-move-forest-lodge-windsor-great-park/
[2] The Guardian. (2023, March 24). Forest Lodge: The history of the Windsor Great Park home Prince William and Kate Middleton are set to move into. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/mar/24/forest-lodge-the-history-of-the-windsor-great-park-home-prince-william-and-kate-middleton-are-set-to-move-into
[3] Historic England. (n.d.). Forest Lodge, Windsor Great Park. Retrieved from https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1001414
[4] BBC News. (2023, March 24). Prince William and Kate Middleton to move to Forest Lodge in Windsor. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64833415
[5] The Express. (2023, March 24). Prince William and Kate Middleton to move to Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park. Retrieved from https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1740063/Prince-William-Kate-Middleton-Forest-Lodge-Windsor-Great-Park-move-home
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