Prince William and Princess Catherine are preparing to leave behind challenging memories and step into a new chapter in their lives. The royal couple, along with their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—are set to make Forest Lodge their permanent residence, a move that will reshape royal tradition.

While Buckingham Palace undergoes a significant renovation until 2027, the uncertainty surrounding the royal family’s official residences in the coming years has sparked the decision to relocate. Forest Lodge will not only be their home during William’s reign but will also break away from centuries of tradition, making them the first monarchs in history to reside in a non-palatial home when William eventually ascends the throne.

This announcement comes as a private message from Prince William, confirming the long-rumored change. In contrast to Prince Harry and Meghan’s controversial renovations funded by taxpayers at Frogmore Cottage, the Wales family is financing the entirety of their renovations, marking a part of William’s effort to modernize the monarchy. In fact, the family’s move stands in stark contrast to Harry and Meghan’s situation, where they repaid taxpayer funds before being evicted.

William’s income, derived from the Duchy of Cornwall, provides about $30 million annually, funding the life and work of the Prince of Wales. In addition to Forest Lodge, the family has a country retreat, Anmer Hall in Norfolk, and an apartment at Kensington Palace in London. Despite these residences, the couple is determined to maintain a humble, family-focused lifestyle, without live-in staff, aiming to create the most private home possible for their children.

The decision comes after a difficult period for the family. Shortly after moving to Adelaide Cottage in 2022, Prince William and Catherine endured the heartbreaking loss of Queen Elizabeth II, followed by news of King Charles’ and Catherine’s cancer diagnoses in early 2024. Throughout this period, Catherine maintained her public duties while also navigating the physical and emotional toll of her treatment. In response, she turned to nature and the outdoors for recovery.

Given the challenges they’ve faced, it makes sense for William and Catherine to leave behind the painful memories tied to their time in Adelaide Cottage. For years, they sought to raise their children in a more relaxed environment, far removed from the royal pressures William experienced as a child. Adelaide Cottage served as a sanctuary, allowing them to escape the constant scrutiny of Buckingham Palace.

Their move to Forest Lodge, however, is about more than just needing more space. The residence reflects their desire to provide their children with a healthier and more independent lifestyle, with closer access to nature. Though they are moving, George, Charlotte, and Louis will continue their studies at Lambrook School in Windsor, ensuring consistency in their education.

This move marks a significant shift in royal parenting, with William striving to give his children a childhood free from the relentless media attention. Forest Lodge offers them an isolated retreat, a place where they can truly focus on family life. The grand residence, known for its Gothic Revival architecture, was once the home of Edward VII, and it comes with ample amenities—an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, stables, lakes, a greenhouse, and several gardens.

Forest Lodge, a Georgian-style mansion worth up to $20 million, features intricate period details such as Venetian windows, marble fireplaces, and a barrel-vaulted hallway. The home was renovated in 2001 at a cost of $1.9 million, adding modern comforts while maintaining its historic charm. The property, spanning 59 acres, offers an idyllic setting for the Wales family to build new memories away from the limelight.

For the Wales family, this move represents a fresh start, an opportunity to build a new, happier chapter in their lives. As they settle into Forest Lodge, it is clear that their focus remains on creating a stable, nurturing home for their children—one free from the pressures and expectations of royal life.