NEED TO KNOW<\/p>\n
Kate Middleton<\/a> is relishing the chance to shape Forest Lodge<\/a>, her family’s new home, with a keen eye to its interior design.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Princess Kate and Prince William<\/a>‘s recent move to the secluded property in Windsor Great Park<\/a> represents a long-term reset \u2014 a chance to build new memories after a difficult stretch \u2014 and she is diving into decorating it after Christmas.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n During the German state visit on Dec. 3, the Princess of Wales, 43, spoke enthusiastically about creating \u201cmood boards\u201d and starting the redecoration process after Christmas<\/a>, while Prince William acknowledged renovations have been \u201cchallenging, with elements of twists.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Still, he added, they\u2019re \u201ctackling it\u201d together.\n<\/p>\n The eight-bedroom residence is said to be the Wales family’s forever home and where they intend to remain<\/a> even when William, 43, becomes King, and Kate is bringing her taste to make it home, sweet home.\n<\/p>\n Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park.<\/p>\n English Heritage\/Heritage Images\/Getty<\/p>\n The Princess of Wales is applying her artistic eye to create a warm, elegant aesthetic, no doubt drawing on her known love of soft creams, gentle pastels and classic country touches \u2014 think antique rugs and reclaimed-terracotta-tiled floors.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n When she was redecorating Anmer Hall<\/a>, the family\u2019s country home in Norfolk, more than a decade ago, Kate was often spotted quietly browsing local interior-design shops with a coffee in hand. She explored everything from lighting and wallpaper to fabrics and carpets, even eyeing stone sourced from old French ch\u00e2teaux. Her visits were low-key, but she was deeply engaged in the process.\n<\/p>\n Kate gravitated toward soft pastel shades rather than bold colors, poring over sample books and choosing mostly neutral tones \u2014 including a cream-and-light-brown herringbone stripe for curtains and a darker beige with a terracotta herringbone pattern for a potential sofa. Shopkeepers described her as \u201cvery hands-on\u201d and \u201cdown to earth,\u201d noting that she preferred to be \u201ctreated like a normal customer,\u201d and that she had a clear vision for the calm, inviting atmosphere she wanted to create.\n<\/p>\n Forest Lodge reflects that same sensibility, now scaled for the family\u2019s future. With ample room to host relatives \u2014 including the 24-seat dining table she was recently spotted selecting \u2014 the home underscores the goals she and William share.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n “They are signaling a different kind of lifestyle \u2014 it\u2019s very centered on their children,\u201d royal historian Amanda Foreman tells PEOPLE in this week’s exclusive cover story.\n<\/p>\n PEOPLE Magazine, Dec. 29, 2025.<\/p>\n The Prince and Princess of Wales are parents to Prince George<\/a>, 12, Princess Charlotte<\/a>, 10, and Prince Louis<\/a>, 7, and Adelaide Cottage, their previous home nearby, quickly became tied to some of the hardest chapters of their lives.\n<\/p>\n They lived there during the death of Queen Elizabeth and release of Prince Harry<\/a> and Meghan Markle<\/a>‘s bombshell docuseries in 2022, publication of Harry\u2019s subsequent memoir in 2023, and announcement about King Charles<\/a>‘ and Princess Kate’s cancer diagnoses in 2024. Princess Kate said in January that she is in remission<\/a>, while the King said on Dec. 12 that his continuing treatment for cancer will be “reduced” in the New Year<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n Against that backdrop, Forest Lodge offers a fresh start and true sense of renewal.\n<\/p>\n Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Kate Middleton at the Together at Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey in London on Dec. 5, 2025.<\/p>\n Chris Jackson\/Getty<\/p>\n Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter<\/a> to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!\u00a0<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n