Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Move to New Residence Near Windsor Castle

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with their three children, Prince George VIII, Princess Charlotte VII, and Prince Louis IV, are bidding farewell to their beloved home at Kensington Palace.

In a move expected to take place this summer, the royal family will relocate from their current residence in London to a new home located 30 miles away in the County of Berkshire, near Windsor Castle.

This decision was made in order to be closer to Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess's parents.

According to a source from ET Online, Prince William and Duchess Catherine are set to move to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor this fall.

The couple has been exploring schools in the Berkshire area, particularly near Bucklebury where Catherine's parents reside, as well as in close proximity to Windsor Castle.

The cottage is conveniently situated within walking distance of the Queen's residence, providing the family with easier access to the 96-year-old monarch.

Previously, there was much speculation surrounding the reasons behind the Duke and Duchess's departure from Kensington Palace.

However, a close friend of the couple revealed in an interview with the Daily Telegraph that it was their three children who ultimately influenced their decision.

The friend admitted, “The reality is they are quite restricted in what they can do in London.

The kids can't simply go to the park and play football with their friends.”

The couple's long-term plan is to reside at Anmer Hall after spending the next 10 to 15 years at their new home in Windsor.

It is believed that the move is driven by the couple's desire to provide their children with more freedom, as well as to allow Prince William to prepare for his future role as king.

A close aide added, “There is a sense of the future rapidly approaching, which is tinged with profound sadness.

Although he would never express it publicly, William is aware of the implications of his grandmother no longer being around, the added pressures on his father, and the increased scrutiny on his family.”

Furthermore, sources close to the family revealed that the Cambridges wished to be closer to Queen Elizabeth II, who has experienced occasional mobility issues in recent months, and to secure a good school for their children.

Currently, Prince George and Princess Charlotte attend Thomas's Battersea, which is conveniently located near Kensington Palace.

However, after completing their summer terms, the family will relocate and continue their studies at a school nearer to their new home.

Prince Louis, who turns four in September, is also expected to begin his education at this time.

The move signifies a fresh start for the Duke and Duchess, as well as their five-member family, as they solidify their position among the most influential members of the royal family.

A source informed The Sun that Catherine and William are eager to establish a modest home in Windsor.

Adelaide Cottage, a four-bedroom residence, perfectly suits their needs as they do not require live-in staff.

They specifically sought a comfortable family home near schools and within close proximity to the Queen.

Their intention was to avoid anything extravagant or in need of renovation, in order to minimize the burden on taxpayers.

One notable advantage of their chosen retreat is that it requires no costly refurbishments or additional security measures.

The couple's move could potentially be completed as early as this summer.

This decision comes after months of speculation regarding their departure from Kensington Palace, which has served as their primary residence since 2017.

It is worth noting that the couple will retain their Norfolk retreat at Anmer Hall, where they have spent considerable time in the past.

As previously reported, the Duke and Duchess have been planning their move to Berkshire since last year.

Prince George has already been enrolled in a school there, and it is expected that Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis will join him this September.

Both William and Catherine desire a country upbringing for their children and wish to be closer to the Duchess's parents, Michael and Carol Middleton, who play an active role in their grandchildren's upbringing.

The couple considered several properties on the Windsor estate, including Frogmore House and Fort Belvedere.

However, Adelaide Cottage emerged as the preferred choice after careful consideration.

Built in 1831, the Cambridge's new Grade II-listed retreat is located within a short walking distance of St George's Chapel and Windsor Castle.

Situated on the 655-acre royal estate in Berkshire, Adelaide Cottage was originally constructed as a retreat for Queen Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen, wife of William IV.

It also served as a favored residence for Queen Victoria, who often enjoyed breakfast there.

Notably, it was previously occupied by Group Captain Peter Townsend, the former lover of Princess Margaret, sister of Queen Elizabeth II.

Adelaide Cottage still retains its original features, including a marble Greco-Egyptian fireplace and a principal bedroom adorned with a covered ceiling featuring gilded dolphins and rope ornaments from the royal yacht, Royal George.

The property boasts seven gated entrances and exits to Windsor Castle, ensuring relative privacy for the family.

While Adelaide Cottage has largely faded into the background beneath the imposing presence of Windsor Castle, this four-bedroom home possesses a fascinating history.

In the years following World War II, Adelaide Cottage served as the grace-and-favor home of Group Captain Peter Townsend.

He was a dashing RAF pilot and later an equerry to King George VI, but his scandalous affair with Princess Margaret would ultimately lead to their separation.

Townsend and his family vacated Adelaide Cottage in 1952 following his divorce from Rosemary.

Their relationship was prohibited by the Royal Marriages Act, which forbade members of the royal family from marrying divorcees while their ex-partners were still alive.

Since then, the cottage has accommodated various well-connected dignitaries and courtiers, including Simon Rhodes, son of the Queen's cousin and close friend Margaret Rhodes, who passed away in 2016.