Prince William and Kate Middleton are getting closer to settling into their new “forever home” as work on their property moves forward. Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom estate in Great Windsor Park, has been undergoing major renovations, all funded by the Prince and Princess of Wales themselves. The property will soon be ready for their family, but with the new home comes new security measures.
Given the importance of protecting the future king and queen, the area surrounding their home is about to be sealed off. The couple’s new neighborhood will include a 150-acre “no-go zone” that will essentially ban the public from being anywhere near their property. According to a report from The Sun, the area has a 2.3-mile perimeter, and soon, access will be permanently restricted.
The report also stated, “Due to the pending designation of part of the Great Park as an exclusion area, access via Cranbourne Gate will permanently cease.” This means locals who’ve been using the area for years will no longer have access. Anyone found trespassing on the land could face arrest under new security plans from the Home Office.
While most people understand the need for security around the royal family, the announcement has stirred some complaints. One woman from nearby Winkfield, who has walked her dogs in the area for 20 years, expressed her frustration, saying, “Many of us have been walking our dogs here for 20 years so to be told we can’t anymore is a kick in the teeth.” She also pointed out that locals pay £110 annually for the upkeep of the park and will now lose access to this section for good.
Another local, Tom from Maidenhead, shared his disappointment as well, saying he was “disappointed” but “completely understands the safety of William, Kate, and their family is paramount.”
The Wales family’s move to Forest Lodge marks a significant step in their future, and while it’s understandable that some changes are being made for their protection, not everyone is happy about losing their long-time access to the area.