Inside Kate & William’s ‘Forever Home’ And The Pain They Are Leaving Behind

By Chukwudi Onyewuchi on October 14, 2025 at 8:30 AM EDT

Kate Middleton and Prince William with son Prince Louis to celebrate his seventh birthday. UK - 23 Apr 2025
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Prince William and Princess Kate are preparing for a significant new chapter as they move into their forever home at Windsor’s Forest Lodge.

After years marked by personal struggles, health challenges, and painful memories, the Prince and Princess of Wales are eager to give their children a fresh start.

However, as they settle into their dream home, the move also forces them to leave behind the emotional weight of Adelaide Cottage and everything it represents.

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Prince William’s Fresh Start In Windsor

Prince William visits St. Michael's High School
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Prince William and Princess Kate are set to move into Forest Lodge, an elegant eight-bedroom Georgian mansion located near Windsor.

The move, originally planned for Christmas, is now happening sooner than expected, with the family hoping to settle in by Bonfire Night.

According to an insider, builders worked “week-in, week-out” to prepare the property, and staff have already begun transferring the family’s belongings.

A new 150-acre security cordon has been established around the home, ensuring the family’s privacy.

“It is hoped they will be in the new home in time for Bonfire Night,” a source told the Daily Mail. “That will make a fun start for the children.”

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The Prince and Princess of Wales are said to be excited for this new chapter, which they’ve described as a fresh start after some of their most challenging years.

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William And Kate’s Move From Adelaide Cottage Carries Emotional Weight

William and Kate visit the Natural History Museum
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The family’s move marks the end of their time at Adelaide Cottage, a beautiful but bittersweet chapter for the royals.

The couple relocated there in August 2022, hoping to give their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, a quiet, rural childhood close to Queen Elizabeth II.

Sadly, just weeks later, the Queen passed away, setting off a series of emotional blows for the family.

From the release of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s explosive Netflix series to Harry’s memoir “Spare,” Prince William and Kate faced public scrutiny unlike ever before.

Then, in a cruel twist, both King Charles and Princess Kate were diagnosed with cancer last year.

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The mom of three underwent preventative chemotherapy, and her husband described that time as “brutal.” Though she is now in remission, the experience reshaped their priorities.

“Adelaide Cottage really does have some difficult memories associated with it,” a source said. “They are really happy about this move and excited for a fresh start.”

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Kate Middleton’s Joy In Creating Their ‘Forever Home’

Catherine, the Princess of Wales (Kate Middleton)
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While the move is emotional, Kate has found joy in designing what will be their “forever home.”

Sources say she has loved overseeing the renovation of Forest Lodge, selecting furniture and décor from British brands, including Marina Mill in Kent, where she recently tried her hand at textile printing.

“I think it’s been quite a fun process for her,” a source explained. “She loves interior design and is a big champion of the British textiles industry. After all, this will be their forever home.”

The 328-year-old property, last renovated in 2001, has received new doors, windows, floors, and ceilings.

The couple is personally funding the move and paying market rent to the Crown Estate, a move that reflects their modern approach to royal life.

Kensington Palace also confirmed that Forest Lodge will remain their base even after Prince William becomes king, albeit a decision that breaks royal tradition.

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William’s Reflections On Family And The Past

The Duke of Cambridge attends the Tusk Conservation Awards
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For William, this move isn’t just about a new house, but about building the home life he always longed for.

As The Blast reported, the future king reflected on lessons from his parents’ troubled marriage in a recent interview on Eugene Levy’s “The Reluctant Traveler.”

“You have to have that warmth, that feeling of safety, security, love,” he said, speaking of raising George, Charlotte, and Louis.

William shared that he learned from the mistakes of King Charles and Princess Diana’s relationship, saying, “You take that and you learn from it and try to make sure you don’t do the same mistakes as your parent.”

He also recalled how media pressure hurt his parents’ marriage and vowed to protect his own family from that same intrusion.

“If you let that creep in, the damage it can do to your family life is something that I vowed would never happen to my family,” he said firmly.

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Prince William And Kate Are Focused On Healing And Normalcy

Prince William and Kate Middleton with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis Start at Lambrook School
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At home, William and Princess Kate run a strict but loving household.

“We sit and chat, it’s really important,” he said, adding that none of their children are allowed to have cell phones.

Instead, George loves football and hockey, Charlotte enjoys ballet and netball, and little Louis is obsessed with the trampoline.

“As far as I can tell, they just end up jumping up and down, beating each other up most of the time,” William laughed.

The family’s emphasis on routine, warmth, and laughter is what makes Forest Lodge feel like a new beginning.

For the doting parents, the move is a chance to create a home filled with light after years of darkness.

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