How Prince William enforces 'privacy' after he and Kate Middleton relocate to Adelaide Cottage
The royal couple moved into the cottage in the summer of 2022Prince William and Kate Middleton have put an end to a long-running tradition in a bid for privacy at Adelaide Cottage.
The major change is a departure from King Charles‘ approach to how much detail is released to the public about the inner workings of a royal household.
Prince William and Kate Middleton end tradition for privacy
In the past, William and Kate, like Charles, were fully transparent in revealing who was working at their Adelaide Cottage home.
Annual finance reports included detailed breakdowns of royal employees, including housekeepers, chefs, butlers, and gardeners.
However, the most recent report, covering April 2024 to March 2025, now only reveals the total number of staff employed at the Walese’s household.
The report reveals that 68 members of staff work there, an increase of two from 2023-2024.
This is a major departure from Charles’ approach to public accountability. Whereas Charles’ report detailed specific roles within the royal household, William’s report features minimal information other than a headcount.
The Prince of Wales has also opted not to disclose his personal tax bill. However, it is known that he pays the highest rate of income tax voluntarily at 20%.
Life at Adelaide Cottage
William’s decision to keep things private comes following the family’s move to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor in the summer of 2022.
The cottage, which is a downsize from their previous home at Kensington Palace, means the Walese’s have fewer live-in staff.
The move to Adelaide Cottage has seen Kate and William have more of a hands-on approach to parenting.
The couple do handle the school runs for George, Charlotte, and Louis; however, royal duties do sometimes mean that the staff assistance is necessary.
Prince William and Kate Middleton receive new titles
News of William and Kate’s privacy bid comes after they were granted new titles by King Charles.
The king has appointed William and Kate as official grantees of Royal Warrants.
The move allows the Prince and Princess of Wales to grant Royal Warrants for the first time.
Royal Warrants are prestigious endorsements given to companies that supply goods or services to royal households.
The honour allows the couple to formally recognise British businesses that demonstrate excellence, quality, and sustainability.
“Their Royal Highnesses are delighted to be able to recognise and celebrate British industry, creativity and skills through the granting of Warrants,” Sir Ian Patrick, Private Secretary to The Prince of Wales, said in a statement.
Royal warrants date back to the 15th century and act as a seal of approval from the royal family. m
Companies must have supplied the royal household for at least five of the past seven years to be eligible for a warrant. They must also demonstrate outstanding standards of service and a strong commitment to sustainability.
At present, there are over 800 Royal Warrant holders. These include tailors, luxury chocolatiers, tech firms and local artisans.
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