Rumors are swirling around Windsor as Prince William and Princess Catherine consider a move that could mark a new chapter in their royal life. Just three years after settling into Adelaide Cottage, the Prince and Princess of Wales are reportedly eyeing one of the most historic and mysterious residences in the royal portfolio—Fort Belvedere, a home steeped in both glamour and scandal.
A Hidden Gem in Windsor Great Park
Nestled within 59 acres of lush greenery, Fort Belvedere is more than just a royal residence—it’s a living piece of history. Built in the 1820s and originally called Shrubs Hill Tower, the estate was designed by renowned architect Jeffrey Wyattville, who also oversaw the renovation of Windsor Castle.
During Queen Victoria’s reign, it was her charming tea retreat and even briefly opened to the public in the 1860s. But its most famous chapter would come in the 20th century, when King Edward VIII—then Prince of Wales—transformed it into his private sanctuary.
The Home of Love and Abdication
Fort Belvedere became the backdrop for one of the monarchy’s most dramatic stories. In 1929, Prince Edward moved in and fell in love with the property’s eccentric Gothic charm. But the fort would soon play a larger role in British history.
It was here that Edward’s relationship with American divorcee Wallis Simpson blossomed—a romance that led to the constitutional crisis of 1936. In the drawing room of Fort Belvedere, Edward signed his abdication papers, giving up the throne “for the woman I love,” forever linking the home to one of the monarchy’s most poignant moments.
From Royal Drama to Private Retreat
After Edward’s abdication and departure into exile, Fort Belvedere sat silent for years. In 1955, it was leased by Gerald Lascelles, a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, who lived there until 1976.
By the early 1980s, Canadian billionaire Galen Weston leased the property and lovingly restored it into a private countryside retreat. Today, the Weston family reportedly still maintains the lease, keeping the home a quiet haven behind gilded gates.
Why William and Catherine Might Choose It
As King Charles continues his cancer treatment and William and Catherine take on greater responsibilities, Fort Belvedere presents the perfect blend of privacy, grandeur, and legacy.
The estate boasts sprawling grounds for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis to explore, as well as an outdoor pool and tennis court—offering the family both seclusion and space to grow.
More than just a home, a move to Fort Belvedere would be symbolic. The residence carries echoes of royal history—moments of love, loss, and transformation. By making it their own, the future king and queen would connect the modern monarchy to a storied past while crafting their own legacy within its walls.
For now, the move remains unconfirmed, but royal watchers are captivated by the possibility. Fort Belvedere isn’t just a house—it’s a testament to the weight of history and the ever-turning page of the British monarchy.
