With Prince William and Kate planning to move into their ‘forever home’ of Forest Lodge, many have started to wonder what will become of Buckingham Palace when William becomes King

The Prince and Princess of Wales are planning a big move from their humble home of Adelaide Cottage to Forest Lodge in Windsor – leaving many to wonder about the long-term fate of Buckingham Palace.

Reports emerged that the Waleses will foot the bill themselves for the much-needed renovations on the stunning eight-bedroom property in Windsor, with plans to move in by the end of the year.

As royal sources claim the move to Forest Lodge will set up the family in their “forever home”, some have questioned what will become of Buckingham Palace, as for the first time, the landmark building seems to be facing a future without a monarch to inhabit the famous royal residence. It comes after Kate halted her summer break to release new video with emotional statement.

Prince William is looking to “find the right balance” between his royal duties and his family(Image: Getty Images)

The Waleses’ are said to be keen to leave Adelaide Cottage, which they have called home for three years, and are looking for a fresh start in a new home after going through a challenging time with Kate’s cancer diagnosis and the death of Queen Elizabeth.

With William and Kate reportedly planning to stay in Forest Lodge – even when William becomes King – it would be the first time since medieval times that the monarch has not resided in a castle or palace.

However, one royal insider told the Daily Mail: “The late Queen said she had to be seen to be believed. I just hope that the Prince of Wales can find the right balance between raising his family away from the public glare at Windsor with the presence required of him as a future, and eventual, head of state.”

Buckingham Palace, the sovereign’s official London residence, is currently undergoing a top-to-toe refurbishment, including a complete redecoration of the late Queen’s suite of rooms, to the tune of a whopping £369 million of public funds.

Due to the mammoth renovation project, no royal family members are currently residing in the Palace, as the overdue and badly-needed works are fixing long-standing issues that date back before the Second World War.

There are currently no royal family members residing in Buckingham Palace during the multi-million pound renovations(Image: Getty Images)

However, a royal source told the Mail that William will be taking an even more “pragmatic” approach to Buckingham Palace in the future, stressing that Forest Lodge will be his family’s only “long-term” home.

Following in King Charles’ footsteps, it is reported William will keep Buckingham Palace open to a greater number of tourists each year than at present, generating funds for its future upkeep while lessening pressure on the public purse.

The Prince of Wales also reportedly wants to see the amount of official entertaining that goes on at the Palace expanded, possibly even using it for government and charitable events. Sandringham and Balmoral could also be opened up to more visitors under the reign of William, despite being private royal homes with no public funding.