Prince William set to face 'difficult conversation' over forever home Forest Lodge
It was announced earlier this month that the Wales family are preparing to relocate
Prince William may face a “difficult conversation” about his family’s £16 million “forever home” in Windsor Great Park when he becomes king, a royal expert has warned.
Reports suggest that the Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, are preparing to leave Adelaide Cottage and move into Forest Lodge. It’s a Georgian mansion featuring eight bedrooms, a ballroom, a tennis court, a lake, and paddocks.
Prince William could face a “difficult conversation” over Forest Lodge
While sources have described Forest Lodge as the Waleses’ “forever home,” royal expert and biographer Robert Hardman believes the arrangement may not be “tenable” in the long term.
Traditionally, Buckingham Palace has been the monarch’s home.
“When the late Queen came to the throne in 1952, she and Prince Philip had just done up Clarence House as a sort of family home with their two young children,” Robert told GB News.
“They loved it and they didn’t want to move. The Queen Mother, who was resident at Buckingham Palace, didn’t want to move out.”
However, despite discussing their plans with then-PM Winston Churchill, he insisted that the queen and her family move into Buckingham Palace.
Robert suggested that a similar situation could arise for Prince William.
“That will be a difficult conversation for whichever prime minister it is. Of course, Prince William will be a harder nut to crack, but Buckingham Palace depends on having a visceral connection between the monarch and Royal HQ.”
Despite the debate about royal tradition, local residents are thrilled about the move. Jean Reeve, 87, who has lived nearby for four decades, told the Daily Mail that she “welcomes” the young family.
Another neighbour, Cynthia Sullivan, 72, echoed the sentiment.
“Young blood is a good idea. William and Kate are lovely. They’re young, they’re family-orientated. They’re always with their children.”
William and Kate’s big move
While many residents are enthusiastic, the relocation has sparked some privacy concerns.
Forest Lodge’s location is considered less secluded than Adelaide Cottage. There have already been changes nearby to accommodate the Wales family.
According to reports, two families living in cottages adjacent to the property were asked to move earlier this year.
A source said that the tenants were “surprised” by the sudden evictions.
“They were not expecting it,” they explained. “Those houses are very close to the lodge, so they’re not going to want any Tom, Dick, or Harry living in those houses if there are going to be royals there.”
However, the Crown Estate confirmed to Page Six that the tenants were not evicted. They were reportedly moved to “similar or better housing” in the area.
Meanwhile, neighbour Jean Reeve also echoed her concerns regarding privacy for the royals.
“I hope the public allow them to live there quietly as a family. It’s a less private spot than their previous home. I’d hate for people to always be going past and saying, ‘Oh, that’s where they live.'”
The Waleses’ decision to settle at Forest Lodge comes after a challenging period for the family. This is particularly following Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis. The move is said to represent a fresh start and a long-term base for raising their children.
However, it remains to be seen whether Prince William will be able to retain Forest Lodge as his primary residence when he eventually takes the throne.
Read more: Prince William and Kate Middleton’s plan to move to Forest Lodge breaks 1000-year-old tradition
What do you think of this story? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page.
