Prince William, the future king of Britain, and his family are relocating to a new residence on the royal Windsor estate, raising questions about Buckingham Palace’s future.
The family is set to move into Forest Lodge, an expansive eight-bedroom mansion from the late 18th century, offering more space than their current four-bedroom home outside London.
The Sun newspaper reports that William and his wife, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, view this property as their “forever home,” citing a source close to the couple.
A Kensington Palace representative confirmed to AFP that “the Wales family will move house later this year,” without providing additional details.
The Sun also mentioned that the couple is personally funding the renovations, move, and rent, as insiders suggest they seek a “fresh start” following Kate’s 2024 cancer diagnosis and treatment.
William and Catherine’s children, George, 12, Charlotte, 10, and Louis, 7, all attend a local school.
However, their permanent settlement at Windsor creates uncertainty over Buckingham Palace’s role as the monarch’s official London residence.
“Sidelining Buckingham Palace would be disastrous,” royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told AFP.
“It’s an iconic building, akin to the White House, recognized globally,” he added.
Since 1837, Buckingham Palace has housed sovereigns.
Situated centrally in London, near parliament and 10 Downing Street, it hosts numerous royal events, from garden parties to state banquets.
During summer, parts of the 755-room palace are open to visitors.
Currently, King Charles III, 76, does not reside there and won’t for the foreseeable future due to ongoing £369 million ($429 million) renovations.
– Multiple Residences –
The extensive renovation, which led to Queen Elizabeth II relocating to Windsor Castle before her 2022 death, is expected to be completed by 2027.
Charles, who announced a cancer diagnosis in early 2024, plans to make Buckingham Palace his London base post-renovation.
Despite this, he reportedly prefers the more intimate Clarence House, his residence since 2003.
“King Charles and Queen Camilla intend to move to Buckingham Palace, though given his cancer battle, it may not happen,” Fitzwilliams noted.
Like Charles, William reportedly aims to open more of the palace to tourists and increase royal events, according to The Daily Mail.
It’s one of several properties used by the royal family, either privately owned or by the Crown.
The late queen favored Windsor Castle and Balmoral Castle in Scotland, her summer retreat.
Christmases were traditionally spent at Sandringham House in eastern England.
Charles has focused on Highgrove House in western England, transforming its gardens, and resides at Birkhall on the Balmoral estate in Scotland.
Other royal properties include the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
– ‘Monarchy’s Hub’ –
William and Catherine also have several homes.
They spend holidays at Anmer Hall on the Sandringham estate and have access to the expansive apartment 1A at Kensington Palace in west London.
“There’s a risk the monarchy may appear to have too many homes,” Fitzwilliams observed.
However, he added that “those criticizing the monarchy’s costs should note that the Buckingham Palace renovation is on schedule and within budget.”
Buckingham Palace will always be crucial, he stated.
“It must remain the monarchy’s center, regardless of whether William and Catherine reside there,” he insisted.
However, Daily Mail columnist Amanda Platell warned of a less prominent future king not living at Buckingham Palace.
A YouGov poll last year revealed only a third (35%) of 18- to 24-year-olds supported maintaining the monarchy, compared to “fairly broad” support among the general population.
“I worry a part-time king hiding in Forest Lodge could further erode support among his subjects,” she wrote.
