Prince William and Kate Middleton have officially moved out of Adelaide Cottage! And while there were initial reports that the couple were heading to Fort Belvedere (which is basically a castle), they instead settled on a swanky spot called "Forest Lodge." Work on the property is finally done and Wills and Kate are settling in, so clearly it's time to learn everything there is to know about this place. And yes, there's drama.
It’s Steeped in History
Forest Lodge is a 328-year-old Georgian mansion that used to be called "Holly Grove," and is located on Great Windsor Park. It has eight bedrooms, a chandelier-lit ballroom, a tennis court, and extensive grounds—including several cottages where William and Kate's security and nanny will live, which you can see in the arial view below.
Forest Lodge was built in the 1770s as a "grace-and-favour property" (meaning the royals let friends stay there for free), and was initially home to one of Edward VIII's equerries. Princess Margaret's private secretary then lived there in the 1990s, and the most recent tenants were Alex Fitzgibbons (who planned wedding receptions for William & Kate and Harry & Meghan) and his wife, Cristina Stenbeck. They moved out last year.
There Are Actually Pics of the Inside
Thanks to Forest Lodge being up for rent in 2001 (for a casual $15,000 a month), we have pics of the inside during its renovation—which features gorgeous fireplaces, plaster cornices, and Venetian windows.
It Was Worth $5.5 Million Back in 2001
So gonna assume the price has only gone up!
William and Kate Paid for the Move Themselves
In other words, British taxpayers aren't footing the bill at all. And the renovation shouldn't break the bank for the couple thanks to William's access to the Duchy of Cornwall.
They Plan to Live There Forever
A source tells The Sun that "over the last few years while they have lived at Adelaide Cottage there have been some really difficult times. Moving gives them an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter; an opportunity to leave some of the more unhappy memories behind. This is a move for the long-term. They see it as their forever home."
According to insider in the Daily Mail, "This is for the long term and it's their intention to stay in Forest Lodge once he becomes king."
Another source added, "They want to continue to do the school run, even if they are king and queen," while yet another source noted, "It's a fresh start for them after three really tough years. They are looking forward to creating many happy memories in their new home and leaving some of the unhappier ones behind."
Um, They’re Kicking Out Multiple Families
Per the Daily Mail, two families who live in nearby cottages were asked to "vacate their properties" ahead of William and Kate's move. Their homes had been rented out by the Crown Estate, so the royals are essentially in control of the leases.
Per a source, "They were told to move out. I guess they were given somewhere else, but they were told they had to move. They were not expecting it. Those houses are very close to the lodge, so they're not going to want any Tom, Dick or Harry living in those houses if there are going to be royals there."
Kate’s Been Spotted Buying Furniture
The Sun claims Kate was seen picking out a 24-seat dining table at a storehouse that "houses surplus royal furniture and antiques." A source also noted, "This house is much larger than Adelaide Cottage. There is a dining room and drawing room which require substantial pieces of furniture."
Welp, this has been an update!
