In a heartwarming scene, Prince William and Princess Catherine were recently spotted cycling with their three children—Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7—near their cherished country retreat, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk. The family, radiating joy and togetherness, pedaled through the picturesque Sandringham estate, a fitting farewell to their beloved Norfolk haven as they prepare to relocate to their new “forever home,” Forest Lodge, in Windsor Great Park by the end of 2025.
The sighting, captured by a local onlooker, showcased the Wales family’s down-to-earth charm. Catherine, glowing post-recovery from her cancer treatment, led the pack in casual attire, her laughter mingling with Louis’s playful shouts as he wobbled on his bike. William, ever the doting father, stayed close, offering steady encouragement to George and Charlotte, who confidently navigated the scenic paths. “They looked so happy, just like any other family enjoying a sunny day,” the onlooker shared. “You’d never guess they’re royals preparing for a major move.”
Forest Lodge, a 300-year-old Georgian manor valued at £16 million, awaits the family in Windsor Great Park, just four miles from their current residence, Adelaide Cottage. The eight-bedroom estate, complete with a chandelier-lit ballroom, Venetian windows, a tennis court, and sprawling grounds, marks a significant upgrade from their modest four-bedroom home. Kensington Palace confirmed the move, stating, “The Wales family will move house later this year.” The couple is funding the transition and renovations themselves, ensuring no taxpayer cost, a move that contrasts with past royal relocations like Prince Harry and Meghan’s £2.4 million Frogmore Cottage refurbishment (later repaid).
The decision to relocate follows three challenging years at Adelaide Cottage, marked by the death of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III’s ongoing cancer treatment, and Catherine’s own battle with cancer, from which she announced remission in January 2025. A source close to the family revealed, “Windsor has become their home, but the last few years have been tough. Moving to Forest Lodge offers a fresh start, a chance to build new memories.” The manor, last renovated in 2001 for £1.5 million, is undergoing minor updates, with Catherine spotted selecting furnishings, including a 24-seater dining table, to personalize their new abode.
The Norfolk cycling outing underscores the family’s deep connection to Anmer Hall, their 10-bedroom Georgian country home gifted by Queen Elizabeth II. Often their sanctuary during school holidays, it will remain a cherished retreat even after the move. The proximity of Forest Lodge to Lambrook School, where George, Charlotte, and Louis are pupils, ensures continuity for the children, while its secluded setting in the 4,800-acre Windsor Great Park offers the privacy the family craves.
This move is more than a change of address—it’s a deliberate step toward a stable, self-funded future. William and Catherine, both 43, see Forest Lodge as their long-term base, even post-coronation, a testament to their vision for a modern monarchy. The Norfolk cycling moment, filled with laughter and family unity, serves as a poignant bridge between their past and future, a reminder that, royal or not, they cherish the simple joys of togetherness as they embark on this new chapter.
