What Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Move Means for the Future of Their Family

Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton’s new home is part of their future plans.

“The new house marks a new era for the family,” a source tells Us Weekly exclusively. “The decision to move into this new home is a significant one that signals independence, though it is not entirely surprising.”

The insider explained that Prince George,12, will be going “off to boarding school,” and Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 6, will follow suit. Moving to this new home “will allow” the couple to stay close to their kids.

Us Weekly confirmed that William and Kate would be relocating to an eight-bedroom house in Windsor Great Park’s Forest Lodge “later this year” after living in Adelaide Cottage since 2022.

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The Prince and Princess of Wales “are very strict about their boundaries” when it comes to protecting “their mental health and family life,” the insider added. The move comes following Kate’s cancer battle. She has been in remission since January.

“They have witnessed how the role of monarch can consume one’s entire being,” the source continued. “While they take their responsibilities very seriously, they are not afraid to say no when necessary.”

After news that Kate and William were moving first broke, several outlets reported that the couple has plans to stay in their new home even after William becomes king.

“To outsiders, it may seem like a big move for the royals to not live in Buckingham Palace, but to insiders, it is not surprising,” the same source continued. “King Charles has not lived there for a long time either and prefers to spend time outside of London.”

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The insider explained that “none of the royals are particularly fond of city life” and prefer “the countryside.”

Buckingham Palace is “extremely large and impersonal,” the source added. Plus, it “has been undergoing renovations for many years,” so it “has not been the kind of place anyone would want to call home.”

“In many ways, it feels more like a conference center or a showcase than a palace that serves as a family home,” the insider shared. (The BBC reported in July 2024 that there is an ongoing project to renovate the palace, costing nearly $500,000.)

The Sun reported on Friday, August 15, that William and Kate’s move will mark a “fresh start” for the family. The couple experienced “some really difficult times” while living in Adelaide Cottage, so deciding to relocate offers a “new chapter,” the same report said, referring to Forest Lodge as their “forever home.”