Prince William may move into an eight-bedroom mansion
Prince William’s family is expected to relocate “permanently” to an eight-bedroom mansion dating back to the late 18th century, raising questions about the future of Buckingham Palace.
A spokesperson for Kensington Palace confirmed on August 20 that Prince William’s family would “move house later this year,” but did not provide further details. Earlier, The Sun cited sources saying that Prince William and his wife, Princess Kate, view the new home as their “long-term residence.”
According to the report, they will move to Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom mansion dating from the late 18th century, located within the royal Windsor estate west of London. It is larger than their current four-bedroom home, Adelaide Cottage, in the same area.
Prince William and his wife attended a ceremony welcoming the French President and his spouse at Windsor Castle on July 8
The Prince and Princess will fund the renovation and relocation themselves. A source said the family hopes for a “fresh start” after Princess Kate was diagnosed with cancer in 2024. Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, all attend nearby schools.
However, the family’s plan to settle long-term in Windsor has raised concerns about the future of Buckingham Palace, traditionally considered the official London residence of the head of the British royal family.
British monarchs have lived at Buckingham Palace since 1837. The palace is located in central London, near the Houses of Parliament and the Prime Minister’s office at 10 Downing Street.
It also hosts many royal events, from summer garden parties to state banquets. During the summer months, some areas of the 755-room palace are open to the public.
However, King Charles III, 76, does not currently live there, and the late Queen Elizabeth II had also moved to Windsor Castle before her death in 2022. Buckingham Palace is undergoing renovations costing $429 million, expected to be completed in 2027.
King Charles is believed to prefer Clarence House, where he has lived since 2023. He is currently undergoing cancer treatment and is unlikely to return to Buckingham Palace soon.
“It would be a great shame if Buckingham Palace were sidelined by members of the royal family,” said royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams. “It is an iconic building, comparable to the White House.”
Fitzwilliams noted that Buckingham Palace has always played an important role in the United Kingdom. “It must remain the center of the monarchy, whether Prince William’s family actually lives there or not,” he said.
Forest Lodge, the eight-bedroom mansion Prince William’s family plans to move into later this year.