Prince William and Kate Middleton will move to the Grade II-listed 300-year-old mansion in a corner of Windsor Great Park for a “fresh start” as they move on from a difficult life chapter
Two families have been required to vacate their homes so William and Kate can settle into their eight-bedroom “forever home,” according to reports.
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children are set to relocate to the Grade II-listed 300-year-old Forest Lodge later this year. The £16 million mansion, situated in a corner of Windsor Great Park, has been described as the family’s “forever home” and where William will remain when he ascends to the throne.
During the summer, two families residing in cottages near the mansion were requested to vacate their properties. The cottages, which were transformed from Forest Lodge’s former stables, are understood to have been leased through the Crown Estate.
The tenants were reportedly “surprised” at being asked to leave, according to the Mail On Sunday. It’s understood that no formal eviction notices were issued and the tenants were relocated to comparable accommodation within the vast 4,800-acre Great Park, reports the Mirror.
“They were told to move out,” one unnamed source revealed to the publication. “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.”
The estate boasts a ballroom adorned with chandeliers, a tennis court, sprawling grounds and Venetian windows. It represents a considerable step up from the four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage where the young family has resided for the past three years.
The property sits approximately four miles from their previous residence, where the family lived through one of their most difficult chapters. The beloved Queen Elizabeth II, matriarch of the Royal Family, passed away just weeks after they had settled in.
Last year saw both King Charles and Kate courageously reveal they were receiving cancer treatment. Royal sources informed the publication that the family are seeking a “fresh start” at Forest Lodge and see it as an opportunity to move on from some of their more distressing experiences.
One insider revealed to the Mail on Sunday: “This house is much larger than Adelaide Cottage. There is a dining room and drawing room which require substantial pieces of furniture.”
Some royal sources have expressed doubt about labelling the estate as the family’s “permanent residence.”
Another anonymous source commented: “How can this be their forever home? It’s not grand enough for a king.”
Daily Star has contacted Kensington Palace for comment.
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