Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, Embrace Quieter Life in Windsor

Prince William and his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, have made a significant change in their lives, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of London.

In the summer of 2022, the couple, along with their three children, decided to uproot and settle in Windsor, seeking a more peaceful existence.

While the Prince and Princess of Wales have not bid a permanent farewell to their London residence at Kingston and Palace, their new home in Windsor, known as Adelaide Cottage, offers a stark contrast to their previous 20-room, four-storey apartment.

The move was primarily motivated by the well-being of their children, who felt somewhat restricted in London.

In the city, they were unable to freely enjoy activities such as playing football in the park with their friends.

However, in Adelaide Cottage, the children can now experience more freedom and playtime, just like any other normal family.

Compared to their opulent lifestyle in London, the Wales family's life in Windsor is relatively modest.

Despite the possibility of residing in the grand and currently vacant Windsor Castle, the family opted for the Grade II listed Adelaide Cottage.

This decision may have been influenced by the potential future roles of Prince William and their eldest son, Prince George, who could one day ascend to the throne.

Alongside their relocation, the couple also announced that their former live-in nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrello, would no longer be residing with them.

She had been a part of their household since Prince George was a baby, living in Kensington Palace.

Now settled in Berkshire's Windsor Home Park estate, where Windsor Castle is situated, the family can easily walk to the main castle within approximately 10 minutes.

Archival images and paintings of Adelaide Cottage depict a charming exterior, reminiscent of a fairy tale.

The estate's picturesque facade showcases a slate roof, a Greco-Egyptian marble fireplace, and a south entrance adorned with two diagonally positioned chimneys.

Inside, the property boasts four bedrooms, with Prince William offering a brief glimpse during a virtual call.

Reports describe the bedroom's unique features, including golden dolphins and ceiling rope decorations recycled from a 19th-century royal yacht, lending a nautical-inspired theme.

When selecting their new home, the couple desired a pleasant family residence close to schools, without excessive extravagance or the need for extensive renovations or additional security measures that would burden taxpayers.

The cottage now features a Greyville driveway, a red brick outbuilding, and a gatehouse for enhanced security.

Adelaide Cottage holds historical significance, having been associated with various notable figures.

In the past, it boasted an outdoor fountain and circular flower beds, as depicted in an old painting of the garden.

Although it is uncertain if these elements remain, considering the beauty typically associated with royal gardens, it is safe to assume Adelaide Cottage's surroundings are exquisite.

The house itself carries a heartwarming backstory.

Built on a structure dating back to the 17th century, the royal estate was renovated in honor of Queen Elizabeth II.

The renovations included a stucco facade, two spacious rooms, French windows, fireplaces, a covered veranda, and ginger red trim.

Notably, Prince Margaret's lover, Peter Townsend, resided in the Grey's unfavored home during the 1940s with his first wife, Rosemary, to be readily available for the King in his role as Eekery.

Subsequently, Adelaide Cottage was offered to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle by the late Queen Elizabeth II, who later chose Frogmore Cottage instead.

The relocation to the countryside holds multiple reasons behind it.

Initially, it was believed that the move aimed to bring the family closer to Queen Elizabeth II, who sadly passed away shortly after their relocation.

Another motivation was to escape the constant scrutiny of London, allowing their children to enjoy greater privacy.

Additionally, the close proximity to Kate's immediate family, including her mother, brother, and sister, may have played a role in their decision.