Prince William & Princess Catherine Set for a 'Fresh Start' in New Windsor Home — Inside the Family Residence

After years marked by change, loss, and recovery, the Prince and Princess of Wales are preparing to turn a corner — one that carries both personal meaning and the promise of permanence for their young family.

Britain's Prince William and Princess Catherine are planning to relocate to Forest Lodge in Windsor, a move they view as a lasting home for their family and an opportunity to turn the page after a period marked by difficulties.

Reports suggest that while Windsor has become the couple's base, their years at Adelaide Cottage were not without difficulties, making the move to Forest Lodge an important step toward a fresh chapter and leaving behind less happy memories.

The move is intended to be lasting, with Forest Lodge chosen as the place where the family will settle both in the present and when William and Catherine step into their future roles as King and Queen.

The relocation will involve their three children — Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7 — and is expected to take place before the end of the year.

The couple is believed to be seeking a "fresh start" after their years at Adelaide Cottage. It was a period marked by personal loss and health challenges, including the death of Queen Elizabeth and cancer diagnoses within the family.

Forest Lodge is a large red-brick Georgian-style country house surrounded by expansive lawns and greenery. Its symmetrical design features tall chimneys, multiple sash windows, and a grand central entrance framed by white columns, giving it both elegance and a sense of permanence.

Forest Lodge sits within Windsor Great Park, a 4,800-acre estate with deep royal roots dating back to William the Conqueror. Over the centuries, the park has been shaped by monarchs, from Charles II's creation of the Long Walk to Queen Victoria's gatherings by Virginia Water, preserving its role as a place of heritage and tradition.

Forest Lodge is also a 328-year-old Grade II-listed property that is currently undergoing minor renovations inside and out, with the family aiming to settle in by Christmas.

William and Catherine are covering all expenses for the move, including rent and renovations, without relying on public funds. They also do not plan to have live-in staff, setting their household apart from other royal residences.

For Catherine, the location holds personal significance, as she has often emphasized the restorative role of the natural world, noting that it has been a source of strength and comfort for her throughout her recovery from illness.

Now in remission, the Princess has spoken candidly about the profound and ongoing challenges that come with life after chemotherapy.

She has explained that while treatment may end, the period that follows can be especially challenging, as recovery is not immediate and adjusting to a different way of life takes time.

On July 2, 2025, Catherine helped plant a rose named in her honor at a well-being garden in Colchester, underscoring her belief in the healing power of nature. Her connection to Windsor Great Park reflects that same outlook, emphasizing recovery, balance, and renewal through the natural world.

In a message shared on X on January 14, 2025, Catherine expressed gratitude to the medical team at The Royal Marsden for their care during her treatment. She shared that being in remission has brought relief but acknowledged that recovery takes time, while also expressing optimism about the year ahead.

The family's move from Adelaide Cottage marks an important transition. The 1831 retreat, once used by Queen Adelaide, is celebrated for its ornate cottage orné design, which includes gilded dolphin motifs from the royal yacht Royal George and a distinctive Egyptian-style fireplace.

For William and Catherine, Forest Lodge is more than a new address. It is a deliberate choice for their children's upbringing and their future as King and Queen. Nestled within Windsor Great Park's centuries-old landscape, the home offers both privacy, permanence, and the fresh start the family seeks.