There has been speculation that the Prince and Princess of Wales might want to leave their Adelaide Cottage home for a larger property – but Jennie Bond has ruled out one potential new home
The Prince and Princess of Wales appear to have set up a relaxed home life with their children at their cosy Windsor cottage.
But with their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – getting older and William in particular being handed more royal responsibilities, could a house move be on the cards? It has been suggested that in time, the Wales family might want to upsize from Adelaide Cottage to something a bit bigger – with the historic Fort Belvedere being one of the mooted properties.
It comes after reports Prince William was ‘human shield’ in tense moment between Kate Middleton and Meghan.
However, according to royal expert Jennie Bond, if a move in the future is on the cards for the family it will all come down to one thing – what is best for their children.
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The former BBC royal correspondent told the Mirror: “Well, the first thing that has to be said is that this is just a rumour. William and Catherine have been so set on giving their children a more ‘normal’ upbringing than royal youngsters before them that it’s hard to imagine them wanting to move to what is, in effect, a castle — albeit it a relatively small one.
“However, it may well be that they feel they are outgrowing Adelaide Cottage – four bedrooms for a family of five doesn’t leave much room for visiting relatives or friends, or for kids’ sleepovers.
“Whatever they decide, William and Catherine will have their children’s happiness at heart. For them, preserving a relaxed, cosy family life – as close to some sort of normality as possible given their status – is a top priority.”
When it comes to Fort Belvedere, it is a a stunning gothic revival mansion in Windsor Great Park, built in the 18th century, and was the preferred home of Edward Vlll before he abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson.
It was renovated by Edward who put in a swimming pool, tennis court and stables and it is a huge property which has a long path to the entrance and even has a moat running around it.
And Jennie added: “Fort Belvedere — where Edward VIII signed his abdication papers — would certainly be a step up in terms of grandeur. With up to eight bedrooms, acres of garden, a lake, a swimming pool, tennis courts and a polo stud its appeal is obvious. Charlotte and Catherine love playing tennis, and the whole family would enjoy the outdoor pool.
“Although it’s still pretty Gothic looking, the Fort was elegantly renovated by its private tenants — the late Galen Weston, a Canadian billionaire, and his wife Hilary. They were great friends of the royal family.
“There are also about three cottages in the grounds, which could be useful for staff or protection officers.”
Although an imminent house move is not believed to be in the offing, another royal home the Waleses have also been linked to for a future move is Royal Lodge.
The house is currently occupied by Prince Andrew, although it is reported the King would prefer him to give it up in favour of the smaller Frogmore Cottage – a former home of Prince Harry and Meghan. With its 30 rooms, Royal Lodge would certainly provide William, Kate and their children with more space than their current home.
But Jennie warned: “There’s been much talk of the Wales’s wanting to move to Royal Lodge, but that is already a cause of bad blood within the family as Prince Andrew refuses to budge. Fort Belvedere could be an inspired alternative which would be less provocative than taking over Andrew’s home.”