Prince William and Princess Kate are preparing to move into their "forever home" at Forest Lodge, a £16 million Georgian mansion on the Windsor estate. The move represents an unprecedented break from centuries of royal tradition that has seen monarchs live at Buckingham Palace.
The Prince of Wales will reportedly remain at the Windsor property when he ascends the throne, rather than relocating to the famous London palace. This decision follows in the footsteps of his father King Charles, who also chose not to make Buckingham Palace his primary residence during his reign.
Royal tradition overturned
Grant Harrold, who served as King Charles's butler at Highgrove between 2004 and 2011, reveals that discussions about the then-Prince Charles avoiding Buckingham Palace were happening decades before he became monarch. The former royal butler said: "I'm not even surprised that Charles never moved in to Buckingham Palace, because even when I was there, there was talk about him not moving in because he prefers Birkhall, Highgrove or Clarence House. Buckingham Palace is just the office."
William's preference for smaller residences stems from his upbringing, according to Harrold. He said: "When it comes to William, he is used to smaller houses like Highgrove because he didn't grow up in the huge palaces or castles."
Strategic modernisation
The move aligns with William's long-standing advocacy for homelessness causes. Harrold suggests this charitable work influences the Prince's housing choices, explaining: "William has long championed homelessness causes, and it's a bit hard to support the homeless when you're living in your massive castle, so I think he's aware of that."
Forest Lodge, a Grade II-listed mansion built between 1772 and 1782, will also prove more cost-effective than maintaining Buckingham Palace as a residence. The former butler noted: "Living in Forest Lodge will be a lot cheaper than living in Buckingham Palace, and he realises that."
Windsor as new royal headquarters
Harrold predicts the move will transform Windsor into the monarchy's operational centre. He said: "I think there'll be a transition where Windsor becomes the hub of the monarchy, as Forest Lodge is on the Windsor estate, that whole area will become royal HQ. I think Windsor will become the embodiment of the Firm as William and Kate move into their forever home."
Buckingham Palace could transition into a year-round tourist attraction while maintaining its function as the official royal office. The landmark building would continue serving as a symbol of the royal institution whilst generating increased revenue through extended public access.
Sources used: "Mirror", "Cornwall Live", "Manchester Evening News" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
