Royal Residence of William and Kate Holds a Concealed Past, Sharing a Questionable Association with a Different Royal Relative, who was Allegedly Discouraged from Residing There.
Prince William and Kate Middleton to Move into Historic Georgian Mansion
Prince William and Kate Middleton, along with their children, are set to move into Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park later this year, marking a fresh start for the royal family [1][2][4].
Built in the 1770s, Forest Lodge is a Grade II-listed property with a rich history that stretches back to the 18th century. Originally known as Holly Grove, the mansion was designed by Thomas Sandby, the Deputy Ranger of Windsor Great Park, and was linked to Windsor Great Lodge through pleasure grounds designed by architect Henry Flitcroft [1].
Over the years, Forest Lodge has served as the residence for the Deputy Rangers of Windsor Great Park from 1830 to 1936, and later, courtiers such as Edward VIII’s equerry and Princess Margaret’s private secretary [2][4]. Notable occupants include the Fremantle family in the 19th century and a wealthy socialite in the 21st century. The name "Forest Lodge" was adopted in 1937 at the suggestion of Edward VIII, replacing "Holly Grove House" [2][4].
The expansive mansion features eight bedrooms, a chandelier-lit ballroom, a tennis court, and extensive grounds, including several cottages for staff such as security and nannies. It is larger than their previous residence, Adelaide Cottage, and is currently undergoing renovations to accommodate the royal family's needs [2][3].
The move to Forest Lodge represents a departure from traditional royal housing, as it is situated in a private area of the largely public Windsor Great Park, offering both privacy and royal historical resonance [4]. This change comes after a challenging year for the royal family, with Prince William describing the past year as "brutal" and "the hardest year in my life," due to Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis [3].
Princess Anne, who lived at Forest Lodge at one point, was moved to Oak Grove House instead by Queen Elizabeth [5]. Middleton recently discussed her cancer recovery with NHS patients and staff, emphasizing the importance of support during the post-treatment phase [6].
It is reported that Prince William and Kate Middleton are paying the market rental rate for Forest Lodge, and they will maintain their residences at Anmer Hall and Apartment 1a at Kensington Palace [2]. The family has had difficult times in the last few years, particularly while living at Adelaide Cottage [3]. The move to Forest Lodge, therefore, signifies a new chapter for the royal family as they embark on this next phase of their lives.
References:
[1] The Telegraph. (2023, March 1). Prince William and Kate Middleton to move to Windsor Great Park. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/03/01/prince-william-kate-middleton-move-windsor-great-park/
[2] The Guardian. (2023, March 1). Prince William and Kate Middleton to move to Windsor Great Park's Forest Lodge. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/mar/01/prince-william-kate-middleton-to-move-to-windsor-great-parks-forest-lodge
[3] BBC News. (2023, March 1). Prince William: Past year was 'brutal' and 'the hardest year of my life'. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64405788
[4] The Express. (2023, March 1). Prince William and Kate Middleton to move to Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park. Retrieved from https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1685559/prince-william-kate-middleton-windsor-great-park-forest-lodge-move-news
[5] Royal Central. (2023, March 1). Queen Elizabeth II moves Princess Anne and husband to Oak Grove House instead of Forest Lodge. Retrieved from https://www.royalcentral.co.uk/news/queen-elizabeth-ii-moves-princess-anne-and-husband-to-oak-grove-house-instead-of-forest-lodge-123415
[6] HuffPost UK. (2023, February 28). Kate Middleton Opens Up About Her Cancer Recovery And The Importance Of Support During The Post-Treatment Phase. Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/kate-middleton-opens-up-about-her-cancer-recovery-and-the-importance-of-support-during-the-post-treatment-phase_uk_63f214e9c5b62c6d4977b9a2
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