Prince William and Kate Middleton are preparing to leave Adelaide Cottage, their home since August 2022, in a move described by insiders as a chance to escape the “unhappy memories” built up over the past few difficult years.
The couple settled into Adelaide Cottage just weeks before the death of Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral, a loss that left a significant emotional mark on the family. In the following years, the residence also became a place of recovery for Kate during her 2024 cancer battle, while King Charles’s ongoing treatment added further weight to the family’s challenges.
“Over the last few years, while they have lived at Adelaide Cottage, there have been some really difficult times,” a source close to the Wales family told The Sun. The insider explained that the upcoming move represents “an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter; an opportunity to leave some of the more unhappy memories behind.”
The family is set to relocate to Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom, Grade II-listed mansion located within Windsor Great Park. The Georgian property, which is 328 years old, underwent a £1.5 million restoration in 2001 and is valued at around £16 million.
Despite the grandeur of Forest Lodge, the Wales family intends to preserve the home’s intimate, family-oriented atmosphere. They have chosen to continue living without full-time staff, maintaining a sense of privacy and normalcy rather than adopting the traditional formality often associated with royal residences. “This is a move for the long-term. They see it as their forever home,” the source added.
The relocation marks a new chapter for the family, offering both a physical and emotional reset after several years marked by personal and familial hardships. It signals a focus on building a space centered on family life, away from the public and historical weight carried by their previous home.
For William, Kate, and their children, the move to Forest Lodge represents more than just a change of address—it’s a conscious step toward creating a home environment that fosters stability, healing, and lasting memories in a setting that balances grandeur with personal comfort.