William And Kate Hope To Leave Behind 'Unhappy Memories' As They Ditch Adelaide Cottage For New Home

Prince William and Kate Middleton, along with their three children, are reportedly preparing to move from Adelaide Cottage to Forest Lodge.

The property, undergoing light renovations funded by the couple, is now expected to be the Prince and Princess of Wales' long-term residence.

The move offers Prince William and Kate's family a fresh start after personal challenges, while maintaining ties to their other homes, Kensington Palace and Anmer Hall.

A royal insider confirmed that William and Kate, along with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, will be leaving Adelaide Cottage for a new family home later this year.

Their next residence is said to be Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom, Grade II-listed property located just a short distance from their current four-bedroom cottage.

The home is currently undergoing light renovations, which are being funded personally by the couple.

According to Kensington Palace, the Waleses intend to settle into Forest Lodge for the long term, with many expecting it will remain their base even when William eventually ascends the throne.

The move marks another chapter in the Wales family's journey since relocating to Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor estate three years ago.

At the time, The Sun reported that the shift from Kensington Palace in London was partly intended to test whether life in Windsor suited them as a family.

Since relocating to Windsor, George, Charlotte, and Louis have all begun attending Lambrook, a co-ed preparatory school in nearby Ascot, and are said to be thriving.

Insiders note that living in Berkshire has allowed William and Kate to be "as hands-on as possible" as parents while balancing their royal duties, with the couple often seen joining the school run.

Despite the happy memories, the family's time at Adelaide Cottage has not been without challenges. Just weeks after they moved in, Queen Elizabeth II passed away in September 2022.

In February 2024, King Charles revealed his cancer diagnosis, while Kate endured a difficult course of chemotherapy that concluded last summer.

A source close to the couple told The Sun: "Windsor has become their home. However, over the last few years, while they have lived at Adelaide Cottage, there have been some really difficult times."

The insider continued, "Moving gives them an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter; an opportunity to leave some of the more unhappy memories behind. This is a move for the long term. They see it as their forever home."

Ahead of their move, planning applications confirm that minor internal and external works have already begun at Forest Lodge, which is 328 years old and holds listed status. The family hopes to be in residence by Christmas.

The property offers spectacular views, with William reportedly able to see the Wembley Arch from his bedroom window. Kate has also been spotted selecting furniture for the new home, including a 24-seater dining table.

Documents lodged in June outline the planned updates: new doors and windows, the removal of internal walls, and renovations to ceilings and floors.

According to reports, there are no plans for demolition or outbuildings, ensuring the property's historic character remains intact. The freehold is owned by the King in trust for The Crown Estate.

Alongside Windsor, the Wales family also maintains two other properties — Anmer Hall in Norfolk, their much-loved country retreat, and Kensington Palace in London.

Friends have described Anmer Hall as the couple's "happy place," offering privacy and freedom that city life cannot.

Back in 2022, a family friend suggested the couple envisioned spending "another 10 to 15 years and then move to Anmer, which is so special to them."

Prince William and Kate's new home underwent its most extensive refurbishment back in 2001, a project that reportedly cost around £1.5 million [$2 million].

At the time, the property was valued at £5.5 million [$7.4 million], though current market indicators suggest it could command closer to £16 million [$22 million] today if ever listed for sale.

During that restoration, the press was given rare access inside the historic residence, offering a glimpse of its period features. Photographs revealed an interior rich with heritage details, including hand-carved marble fireplaces, ornate plasterwork, a striking half-barrel vaulted hallway, Venetian-style windows, and carefully preserved stonework.

Following the renovations, the property was briefly made available to let for around £15,000 [$20,000k] per month. Planning records from the era also show that the estate was expanded with the construction of three stables, while older garages were converted into two semi-detached cottages.

Alongside manicured lawns and a large ornamental pond, the estate includes several smaller cottages and a tennis court.