The Wales family will move to the historic Forest Lodge later this year. The eight-bedroom Grade II-listed property, set to become the Wales family’s “forever home,” marks a significant step for the couple and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, as they seek a fresh start after a challenging period.

Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Prince and Princess of Wales, have lived in a variety of royal homes over the years, each marking a chapter in their evolving family life.

From a secluded farmhouse in Wales to their new “forever home” in Windsor, their homes reflect their desire for a grounded, family-focused life.
At the beginning of their royal relationship, Prince William and Kate Middleton shared this remote farmhouse in Wales (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Anglesey farmhouse in Wales

Between 2010 and 2013, the newly engaged couple lived on the tranquil island of Anglesey in North Wales. Prince William was stationed at RAF Valley as a search and rescue pilot, and the couple rented a farmhouse on the Bodorgan Estate, reportedly for just £750 a month.

The four-bedroom home, complete with private beach access and views of Newborough Forest and Llanddwyn Island, became a peaceful retreat.

Kate worked remotely for her parents’ business. Both were frequently spotted shopping at local stores or dining at The White Eagle pub in Rhoscolyn.

A royal insider once described the island as their “refuge”. A place where they could enjoy relative anonymity and connect with the local community. It laid the foundation for their low-key, family-centric approach to royal life.
The couple lived at Nottingham Cottage until months after Prince George’s birth (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Nottingham Cottage

After their wedding in 2011, the couple used Nottingham Cottage, a modest two-bedroom home on the grounds of Kensington Palace, as their London residence.

They split their time between the cottage and their Wales home.

They lived there until late 2013, just after their first child, Prince George, was born. During this time, Apartment 1A in Kensington Palace was also undergoing renovations.

This small royal residence has also housed other family members, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Kensington Palace has been home to many royals, including the Prince and Princess of Wales (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Reason William and Kate moved out of Kensington Palace’s Apartment 1A

By 2013, William and Kate relocated to Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace, a sprawling 20-room residence formerly occupied by Princess Margaret.

Following a £4.5 million renovation, their family home included five reception rooms, multiple bedrooms and dressing rooms, staff quarters, a gym, and a private walled garden.

William and Kate moved out of the home in the summer of 2022 with their three children – George, Charlotte and Louis.

They reportedly made the decision to move into a smaller home to give their children a more “normal” upbringing and to have more privacy.

Their offices remain at Kensington Palace.

Anmer Hall is the family’s country residence in Norfolk (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Do William and Kate own Anmer Hall?

Anmer Hall in Norfolk was given to William and Kate as a wedding gift from Queen Elizabeth II, and it became the Wales family’s rural retreat. The 10-bedroom Georgian mansion sits on the Sandringham estate and underwent extensive renovations.

The family often spend school holidays at the country home.

It features a tennis court, outdoor swimming pool, and also plenty of space for their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, to play.

According to locals, Kate and William’s time here is refreshingly down-to-earth. A source told PEOPLE in 2017: “There was no formality at all. It really was like any other family sitting down to lunch, with George and Charlotte eating their homemade food in their high chairs and toddling around with their toys.”

The family moved to Adelaide Cottage in 2022 to be closer to Queen Elizabeth II (Credit: Photo by Invicta Kent Media/Shutterstock)

Adelaide Cottage in Windsor

In 2022, William, Kate, and their three children moved to Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor estate. The four-bedroom property is located in Windsor Home Park.

It was selected for its proximity to Queen Elizabeth II in her final months and the children’s school, Lambrook.

Although smaller and less regal, the home offered privacy and simplicity. This reportedly aligned with the couple’s wish to be seen as a “normal” family.

Royal expert Duncan Larcombe told OK! in 2024: “There are plenty of other places they could have moved to. But Adelaide Cottage fits with their desire as parents to be a normal family. There aren’t servants and they don’t have 30 rooms.”

However, it was never meant to be a permanent residence, but served its purpose during a transitional phase in their lives.

Forest Lodge, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s new home, pictured in 1998 (Credit: Photo by David Hartley/Shutterstock)

William and Kate’s ‘fresh start’ in Forest Lodge

Now, the Wales family will make their most significant move yet to Forest Lodge, a grand eight-bedroom Georgian mansion in Windsor Great Park.

Tipped to be their “forever home”, it offers more space and seclusion as their children grow.

Forest Lodge is just minutes from Adelaide Cottage and features a tennis court, extensive grounds, and historic charm. Once known as Holly Grove, it underwent a major renovation in 2001. It is now being customized for the Wales family.

However, the family will still maintain their preference for a small, tight-knit household. They will not have live-in staff.

A Kensington Palace spokesperson recently confirmed: “The Wales family will move house later this year.”

Sources have described the move as a “fresh start” for Prince William and Princess Kate. A chance to turn the page after a period marked by personal challenges.

While Windsor has become their home, their time at Adelaide Cottage hasn’t been without heartache.

“Over the last few years, while they have lived at Adelaide Cottage, there have been some really difficult times,” one insider 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.”

Just weeks after they settled into the cottage in 2022, Queen Elizabeth II died. Then, in early 2024, Kate publicly revealed her cancer diagnosis.

Now in remission and focusing on her health, it seems Forest Lodge will mark a new beginning for Kate and her family.