Kate and William(Image: (Image: GETTY))Prince William and Princess Kate are currently making preparations for their big relocation to Forest Lodge within the Windsor estate, following revelations that the Waleses are upgrading from their cherished Adelaide Cottage, which has served as their home for several years.
Amid news of their move, which is set to be completed later this year, it emerged that the Royal pair will probably remain at Forest Lodge once William ascends to the throne, rather than relocating to one of the more distinguished Royal properties, such as Buckingham Palace.
Royal expert Jennie Bond has now disclosed the reasoning behind this major relocation, and how it connects to William’s upbringing within the Firm.
The former BBC Royal correspondent told the Mirror: “William is focused on creating a stable and private family life: the kind he never had when he was growing up. And so he wants to keep his family firmly rooted.
“He’s already defined the way he wants to do things: he calls it royalty with a small R. And I think a ‘forever’ home at Forest Lodge is in keeping with that philosophy.”
Forest Lodge, formerly known as Holly Grove(Image: Getty Images)Whilst numerous observers have remarked on how William’s future residential arrangements will represent a substantial departure from Royal convention, as he would become the first monarch not to live in a castle or palace, Jennie believes the tradition-breaking aspect will not be William’s primary concern as he establishes his own fresh chapter of the monarchy, reports the Mirror. “I don’t think William is going to bat an eyelid about breaking certain royal traditions,” she said.
“He doesn’t want to live in a palace or a castle and he has made up his mind to do things differently. Living in a house – albeit a pretty big house as Forest Lodge is – will give his family a much more normal life, and that, I’m sure, is going to stand them in good stead.”
Following Jennie Bond’s direct encounters with the Royal household, she reckons that William and Kate are poised to mirror Diana’s approach in establishing a cosy, welcoming domestic setting for their offspring, distancing themselves from the grandeur and ceremony typically linked with the monarchy when crafting their permanent residence.
The royal couple are both keen environmentalistsShe remarked: “I have spent time with the King at his Highgrove home and with Diana in her apartment at Kensington Palace. Both were quite cosy and comfortable. Diana, in particular, had a light touch with the décor: squashy sofas, soft colours and nothing too staid.
“And I think that’s the kind of atmosphere William wants his children to grow up in, which is why he’s made it quite clear that he doesn’t intend to move to Windsor Castle, or indeed to Buckingham Palace, when the time comes for him to become king.”
Despite Kate having served as a working Royal for over ten years, Jennie suspects that residing in a more humble dwelling rather than one of the Royal residences will be eagerly embraced by the Princess of Wales, who wasn’t raised under public scrutiny like her spouse. Jennie stated: “All of which is probably a great relief for Catherine who, of course, grew up in a “normal” happy family home and would probably hate the idea of living in a huge, draughty, ancient castle, or a palace in the centre of London with nearly 800 rooms.”
The Royal expert further commented that their permanent residence will bring a sense of normality and comfort to their lives as they continue their service to the Firm and prepare for William, and eventually Prince George, to ascend to the throne.
“There is enough about being royal that must seem seriously odd,” Bond remarked. “At least the place you call home should be somewhere you feel comfortable and comforted.”