Reason Prince William and Kate Middleton's Adelaide Cottage home was 'place of pain'
After a tough few years, the Wales family has said goodbye to Adelaide Cottage
After a painful few years spent at Adelaide Cottage, Prince William and Kate Middleton are beginning a new chapter in Forest Lodge.
The Prince and Princess of Wales recently relocated from Adelaide Cottage to Forest Lodge, a secluded eight-bedroom home nestled in Windsor Great Park. It’s just a short drive from their former home.
However, the decision to move was more than just logistical it seems.
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Adelaide Cottage became ‘place of pain’
William and Kate moved into Adelaide Cottage in 2022, hoping for privacy and proximity to their children’s new school.
But just days into the school term, Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022, casting a shadow over their new beginning. The years that followed became some of the most challenging they had faced, both privately and in the public eye.
The Sussex drama soon took centre stage. In late 2022 and early 2023, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Netflix docuseries and memoir, Spare, further deepened tensions within the family. The projects both contained damning allegations about the monarchy.
Then, 2024 brought even more pain. King Charles revealed his cancer diagnosis in the February. Meanwhile, Kate also privately began treatment for her own cancer diagnosis.
After such rough times, it’s perfectly understandable they would want a new place.
With each passing event, Adelaide Cottage became less of a sanctuary and more of a reminder of what the family had endured it seems.
“Adelaide Cottage was a place of pain, suffering and sadness,” royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith told PEOPLE. “After such rough times, it’s perfectly understandable they would want a new place.”
The couple’s recent move signals not only a change of address but a reset for the family of five. Forest Lodge is reportedly expected to serve as their “forever home”, even after William ascends the throne.
For the couple, it’s a chance to rebuild in peace and give their kids, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, a fresh slate.
Forest Lodge in Windsor
Their new home, Forest Lodge, is meant to offer a fresh beginning.
In August, an insider echoed this sentiment. “Over the last few years, while they have lived at Adelaide Cottage, there have been some really difficult times,” they told the BBC. “Moving gives them an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter. It’s a chance to leave some of the more unhappy memories behind.”
With space, privacy, and long-term stability, the property will allow them to create a nurturing environment focused on family.
Princess Kate is reportedly taking the lead in decorating. During the German state visit on December 3, she reportedly expressed her excitement about creating “mood boards” and starting the redecoration after Christmas.
Prince William also reportedly acknowledged the challenges of renovating. He noted it has been “challenging” but emphasised that they’re “tackling it” as a team.
2025 was a defining year for the Prince and Princess of Wales. In January, Kate shared that she was in remission and has since returned gradually to public duties.
Throughout it all, the couple maintained their roles as hands-on parents, managing royal responsibilities alongside school runs and family dinners.
The shift to Forest Lodge is about more than creating a beautiful home; it’s about healing.
“This is someone who stared down the abyss,” royal historian Amanda Foreman said of Kate.
Read more: Prince William and Kate Middleton’s new ‘leadership roles’ as they become ‘face’ of royal family
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