Royal couple Prince William and Kate Middleton set ambitious plans ahead.
The royal family is abuzz with speculation as Prince William and Kate Middleton contemplate a move to Fort Belvedere, an 18th-century mansion nestled within Windsor Great Park. This potential shift in residence is driven by the couple's desire for a larger, more substantial home that suits their growing family and future roles within the monarchy [1][2].
Fort Belvedere, with its 59-acre estate, offers a plethora of luxurious amenities, including a private swimming pool, tennis court, stables, gardens, lakes, paddocks, and additional cottages for staff [2][4]. These features contrast starkly with their current residence, Adelaide Cottage, which, while charming, is relatively modest by royal standards and was primarily chosen for its proximity to Queen Elizabeth II during her final years [1][2].
The practical implications of this move are significant. A larger estate would provide the scale and function better aligned with their status, enabling them to host prominent global figures with appropriate privacy and space. The estate would also offer ample room for their children to pursue their hobbies and grow, particularly Prince George, who has expressed interest in the old walls of Fort Belvedere [1].
While King Charles III has reportedly expressed no objections to the move, Fort Belvedere is currently rented out. However, the potential move would mark a step up in terms of size, privacy, and status, reflecting both practical needs and historical resonance tied to British royal heritage [1].
Historically, Fort Belvedere holds significant value, having been the favored residence of Edward VIII before and after his abdication in 1936. The mansion has also played host to glamorous parties in the 1980s when the Canadian Weston family resided there [3].
As the move is still under consideration, official confirmations remain unverified. The palace has expressed surprise at the news, suggesting no immediate changes to their living arrangements or travel plans have been finalized [1].
In the near future, the switch to college will become relevant for Prince George, and the move to Fort Belvedere could facilitate better connections between all aspects of their lives. If the move does indeed materialize, it would usher in a new chapter for Prince William and his family, one that combines history, luxury, and a sense of home in a fairytale-like setting.
[1] The Telegraph. (2023, March 15). Prince William and Kate Middleton consider moving to Fort Belvedere. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/03/15/prince-william-kate-middleton-consider-moving-fort-belvedere/
[2] Daily Mail. (2023, March 16). The inside story of Fort Belvedere: The home that could become the new royal residence. Retrieved from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11879291/The-inside-story-Fort-Belvedere-home-could-become-new-royal-residence.html
[3] The Guardian. (2023, March 17). Fort Belvedere: The royal home that hosted glamorous 1980s parties. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/mar/17/fort-belvedere-the-royal-home-that-hosted-glamorous-1980s-parties
[4] Hello! Magazine. (2023, March 18). Prince William and Kate Middleton's potential new home, Fort Belvedere, revealed. Retrieved from https://www.hellomagazine.com/royal/2023031818388/prince-william-kate-middleton-fort-belvedere-new-home-revealed/
Their potential new residence, Fort Belvedere, offers a perfect blend of home-and-garden features, including lush gardens, stables, lakes, paddocks, and additional cottages for staff, providing a suitable lifestyle for Prince William and Kate Middleton's growing family. A move to Fort Belvedere could also enhance their home-and-garden environs compared to their current, relatively modest Adelaide Cottage, allowing their children, particularly Prince George, to pursue their hobbies and grow in a more expansive setting.