Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, are weighing a move to Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, with a target date before Bonfire Night on November 5. The potential shift would place the family deeper inside the Berkshire estate where they already spend much of their time. It would also align their home life with school schedules and official duties centered in and around Windsor and London.
What We Know So Far
“Royal sources have told this newspaper that William and Kate want to move into Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park before Bonfire Night.”
The couple has not issued a public statement. Palace officials also declined to comment. Still, the timing suggests a desire to settle before winter and before a busy run of public events leading into the holidays.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge moved to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park in 2022, seeking a quieter base near their children’s school. A move to Forest Lodge would keep them in the same area, while offering a different setting within the wider park.
Why Windsor Great Park
Windsor Great Park provides privacy, security, and fast access to Windsor Castle. It also allows shorter commutes to central London for engagements. The family’s three children attend school in Berkshire, making a local address practical during term time.
Living within the park places the family inside a working estate managed by the Crown Estate. The area includes residential properties, farmland, historic landmarks, and public green space. Security is tight, yet the setting is less urban than central London, which has been a long-running preference for the couple.
Timing And Logistics
The target date “before Bonfire Night” signals a compressed window. Bonfire Night, marked on November 5, is a major UK event. Families often anchor plans around the term-time calendar and early winter festivals.
If the move proceeds, key steps would include property readiness, security assessments, and coordination with the Crown Estate and royal household staff. These moves tend to be planned quietly to avoid disruption and protect the family’s routine.
Public Cost And Transparency
Questions about cost will follow any change of residence, as they have with past royal housing decisions. The Crown Estate manages properties and generates revenue for the Treasury. Security costs are typically met by the state due to the couple’s status and duties.
Recent years have brought tighter scrutiny of public spending tied to royal residences. Officials often stress that private funds cover personal refurbishments, while state-backed security is non-negotiable for safety reasons. Clear communication on who pays for what can help avoid confusion.
- Property management: Crown Estate oversight
- Security: State-funded police protection
- Private costs: Furnishings and personal expenses
Impact On Work And Family Life
A stable base in Windsor can support the couple’s workload in the South East, while keeping family life steady during the school year. Proximity to Windsor Castle also allows closer coordination with the wider royal team.
The setting offers space for private family time away from central London. It supports a more regular schedule for the children and fewer long car journeys for daily routines.
What Comes Next
Absent an official announcement, plans can still change. Property arrangements inside Windsor Great Park often require checks, approvals, and security fit-outs that take time.
If the move is confirmed, attention will turn to how the change affects their public program. Observers will watch for any shift in the balance between Windsor-based duties and engagements across the UK.
The signal from trusted sources is clear, even if the palace remains quiet. A move to Forest Lodge ahead of November 5 would continue the couple’s steady pivot to Windsor life. It would also highlight a familiar theme: building a family routine that supports public service, while keeping security and privacy at the forefront. Watch for a formal update in the coming weeks, along with details on how the residence will be used for the family’s daily life and official work.
