Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, appear to be preparing for a significant change in their family’s living arrangements. Reports from July 28, 2025 suggest that the couple is considering moving out of Adelaide Cottage, their four‑bedroom family home on the Windsor Estate, in favor of a much larger estate—most notably, Fort Belvedere, a gothic‑revival mansion set within Windsor Great Park.
Why did Prince William and Kate Middleton move now?
The Prince and Princess of Wales, both aged 43, reportedly feel they have “outgrown Adelaide Cottage”, which they moved into in August 2022 along with their three children—Prince George (12), Princess Charlotte (10), and Prince Louis (7). The cottage, while charming and private, is modest in scale and lacks the facilities their growing family now needs.
The appeal of Fort Belvedere
Fort Belvedere is described as an ideal property for the Wales family’s next chapter. Built in the 18th century, this stunning estate sits on approximately 59 acres and features amenities perfectly tailored to the family’s lifestyle:
Swimming pool and tennis court, with Princess Charlotte’s love of tennis often singled out by insiders.
Extensive botanical and recreational features including a rose garden, greenhouse, kitchen garden, lakes, paddocks, stables, and staff cottages.
A historic connection to Edward VIII, who lived in Fort Belvedere both before and after his abdication, signing the 1936 documents inside its walls.
Royal observers suggest the property represents a natural upgrade from Adelaide—a peaceful retreat that allowed Kate to recover during her cancer treatment and gave the children outdoor freedom away from the intense scrutiny of Kensington Palace.
Alternatives considered—and dismissed
Before turning to Fort Belvedere, William and Kate reportedly explored options such as Royal Lodge, the grand Windsor home occupied by Prince Andrew, and even the possibility of relocating to a wing of Windsor Castle itself. However, both options appear to be off the table—Royal Lodge remains occupied, and Windsor Castle wings are no longer considered viable for their family’s needs.
The move isn’t expected to be imminent, but insiders emphasize it would mark a new chapter heralded by transition and growth. The past few years have been intensely personal: the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and Kate’s treatment and subsequent remission from cancer last year. With Prince George set to begin boarding school—Eton being the likely choice—the family is placing greater priority on space, routine, and privacy.
Adelaide Cottage will continue to serve as their Windsor residence for now, but the desire for a larger, more functional estate seems to reflect their evolving needs as they progress in their royal roles and personal lives.
