Prince William and Princess Kate Begin a Fresh Chapter with Their Three Children in Their New ‘Forever Home’

The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their three children, have officially settled into their “forever home,” Forest Lodge — a stunning Grade II-listed eight-bedroom mansion nestled in Windsor Great Park, HELLO! has confirmed.

The family’s move took place over Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis’s half-term break, which ends this weekend, after setting themselves the goal of relocating by 5 November 2025.

Originally built in the 19th century, Forest Lodge underwent a £1.5 million ($2 million) restoration in 2001 to preserve its period charm — including ornate plaster cornices, marble fireplaces, Venetian windows, and a beautifully vaulted hallway ceiling. Reports suggest that the future King and Queen personally financed the purchase and any new renovations.

Planning applications filed in June show proposals for minor internal and external alterations to the property. Until now, the family — along with their loyal cocker spaniel, Orla — had been living at Adelaide Cottage within Windsor’s Home Park.

“The Prince and Princess of Wales clearly love living in Windsor — the children are settled at Lambrook School nearby, and they’ll still be close to Windsor Castle for royal engagements,” said HELLO!’s royal correspondent Danielle Stacey. “Upsizing to Forest Lodge gives the family more space and has already been seen as their ‘forever home,’ rather than the children growing up behind palace walls.”

The move marks a symbolic fresh start for the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, coming as the Princess continues her recovery from cancer. However, their first week in the new home will begin without William, who is set to travel solo to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for this year’s Earthshot Prize Awards.

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For now, the family’s new residence places them in closer proximity to William’s disgraced uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who continues to reside at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park — just over a mile away from Forest Lodge as the crow flies.

However, Andrew is expected to vacate Royal Lodge in the New Year and relocate to a property on the King’s private Sandringham estate in Norfolk, following his recent loss of both his Prince and Duke of York titles amid the ongoing Epstein scandal.

The Prince and Princess of Wales moved out of London full-time in 2022, seeking a quieter and more grounded environment for their three children as they grow up and gradually assume their royal roles.

Forest Lodge, their new residence, is owned by the Crown Estate, meaning William and Kate are required to pay rent to live there. Reports suggest their arrangement involves paying the “market rate” for the property.

Following its £1.5 million restoration in 2001, the mansion was listed for rent at £15,000 ($20,000) per month. Nearly a quarter of a century later, its value has almost certainly appreciated, with estimates placing the property’s worth at around £16 million ($20 million).

An exclusion zone was established around Forest Lodge in September in preparation for the family’s move, leaving nearby residents frustrated by the permanent closure of Cranbourne Gate and the adjacent Cranbourne car park.

Previously, locals living within half a mile of the property could apply for a key to the gate for an annual fee of £110. However, access has now been completely restricted under enhanced security measures.

Under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act (SOCPA) 2005, it is a criminal offence to trespass on a designated protected site such as Forest Lodge.

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