Ever wondered what it’s like to grow up royal? Prince William and Kate Middleton are making a big move to ensure their kids have a “real home” experience, far from the stuffiness of a “museum.” It seems even future monarchs prefer a cozy family life. What kind of upbringing do you think is best for young royals?
Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Prince and Princess of Wales, are reportedly embarking on a significant move, intending to establish their permanent residence at the serene Forest Lodge. This decision is driven by a profound desire to provide their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, with an upbringing rooted in a “real family home” rather than the formal grandeur of a palatial “museum.”
The royal couple is set to vacate their current four-bedroom abode, Adelaide Cottage, later this year, transitioning to the more expansive Georgian mansion. Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom property situated within the picturesque Windsor estate, offers the space and privacy the couple seemingly craves for their growing family, aiming for a fresh start away from past associations.
Sources close to the couple emphasize their commitment to fostering a normal childhood experience for their offspring. The sentiment that William and Middleton wish for their children to be “raised in a real family home” and not an environment that “feels like a museum” underscores a modern approach to royal parenting, distancing themselves from traditional, more isolated upbringings.
Despite their royal status, the family’s move to Forest Lodge is not without financial considerations. Reports indicate that Prince William and Kate Middleton are diligently paying market rent to the Crown Estate for the property. Furthermore, they are privately funding the necessary renovations to transform the grand house into their ideal family sanctuary, highlighting their personal investment in this new chapter.
Beyond its eight spacious bedrooms, Forest Lodge boasts an impressive architectural design featuring three floors, elegant Venetian windows, and a beautifully decorated fireplace. The property also includes recreational amenities, notably a private tennis court, which offers ample opportunities for family activities and a more relaxed lifestyle for the Royal Family.
Royal commentator and Majesty Magazine editor-in-chief Ingrid Seward has weighed in on the move, describing Forest Lodge as “a really beautiful Georgian house, in a secluded spot,” perfectly suited for the couple. Seward noted that Prince William is notably “conscious of the environment, the cost of running an enormous residence, and the symbolism of living more simply,” reinforcing his progressive outlook on royal duties and personal life.
This shift to Forest Lodge also signals a potential long-term decision regarding their future residences. Speculation suggests that even when William ascends to the throne, he might choose not to reside in Buckingham Palace. Seward explained that William “was never going to move into Buckingham Palace” due to a lack of personal affection for it, underscoring his desire to be a hands-on father and a monarch who adapts the monarchy to survive in a modern world, prioritizing Royal Lifestyle changes for the UK Monarchy.