A Growing Family in Transition
Prince William and Princess Catherine currently live at Adelaide Cottage, a charming four-bedroom home tucked within the grounds of Windsor Home Park. The family moved there in 2022 to prioritise stability and a more normal lifestyle for their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—all of whom attend Lambrook School nearby.
While ideal for a young family in transition, Adelaide Cottage has limitations. It lacks sufficient space for visiting dignitaries, royal hosting, or private staff. This has fueled speculation that the family is now looking for a more expansive—and permanent—base of operations. That place may be Fort Belvedere.
A Home Fit for a Future King
Fort Belvedere, located in the secluded southern reaches of Windsor Great Park, was once the beloved residence of King Edward VIII. It was here, in 1936, that Edward signed his abdication papers, giving up the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcée—a decision that rocked the monarchy and changed the line of succession forever.
Today, Fort Belvedere is part of the Crown Estate, though it has long been under private lease. If Prince William were to move in, it would represent a dramatic return of the estate to direct royal use—this time by a monarch-in-waiting. Fort Belvedere is located in the southern part of Windsor Great Park, near the Surrey border.
Map: Where Is Fort Belvedere?
Fort Belvedere lies in the southern corner of Windsor Great Park, near the Surrey border. It is distinct from Royal Lodge (north of the park) and Adelaide Cottage (closer to Windsor Castle).
Historical Significance of Fort Belvedere
Fort Belvedere is a Gothic Revival-style mansion originally built in the 18th century by Prince William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, the younger son of King George II. It gained notoriety in the 20th century as the beloved home of King Edward VIII, who famously abdicated the throne in 1936 to marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson. The abdication was signed in Fort Belvedere’s library, marking one of the most dramatic turning points in British royal history.
After Edward’s departure, the home passed into private use and is now part of the Crown Estate. While not traditionally open to the public, it remains a location rich in royal lore and symbolic weight.
Tensions Over Royal Lodge
However, the path to Fort Belvedere may not be as straightforward as it seems.
King Charles III has reportedly been encouraging Prince Andrew to vacate Royal Lodge, the grand 30-room mansion also located in Windsor Great Park, just a few miles from Fort Belvedere. Royal Lodge is considered a more ‘fitting’ home for the Prince and Princess of Wales due to its size, prestige, and existing security infrastructure.
But Prince Andrew, who has lived at Royal Lodge since 2003 on a long-term lease, has so far resisted pressure to move out, despite his reduced royal role. The standoff has created a logistical headache within royal circles and may be one reason why William and Catherine are now considering alternatives like Fort Belvedere.
Their Other Residences
Prince William and Princess Catherine are no strangers to moving between royal residences.
– Kensington Palace (Apartment 1A) in London remains their official working residence. Despite its name, the ‘apartment’ is a lavish 20-room palace with formal state rooms and private quarters.
– Anmer Hall, located on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, served as their primary home from 2015 to 2017. A wedding gift from the late Queen Elizabeth II, it remains the family’s countryside escape.
Each home has served a purpose at different stages of their life as a young royal family, but a more permanent, symbolic residence is now a likely next step.
Three Fun Facts About the Waleses’ Royal Homes
1. Adelaide Cottage features gilded dolphins and rope motifs on its ceiling—a quirky detail salvaged from the 19th-century royal yacht used by Prince Albert.
2. Anmer Hall boasts its own tennis court and swimming pool, making it an ideal retreat for outdoor-loving royals.
3. Kensington Palace’s Apartment 1A was once home to Princess Margaret, and underwent a multimillion-pound renovation before the Waleses moved in, including bulletproof windows and a hidden panic room.
Final Thoughts
Should the move to Fort Belvedere proceed, it would be a powerful blend of royal symbolism and practical necessity. The estate offers a historic setting, privacy, and room to grow—both as a family and as future monarchs. It also avoids the political sensitivities currently surrounding Royal Lodge, without compromising on grandeur or heritage.
For now, the Waleses remain at Adelaide Cottage. But one thing is clear: their living arrangements are not just about comfort—they’re also about preparing for the crown.
