Prince William distances himself from Highgrove House as questions grow over royal dynamics and loyalty shifts
Prince William appears unwilling to accept King Charles III’s symbolic gesture of passing down Highgrove House, a property rich with personal and royal history. Despite the estate now falling under William’s care as Duke of Cornwall, he has shown little interest in making it his family’s future home.
Following his ascension to the throne in September 2022, King Charles handed William significant responsibilities, including stewardship of the Duchy of Cornwall and the title of Prince of Wales. At the time, Charles praised both William and Catherine, noting they would “continue to inspire and lead our national conversations.” Yet, in the months that followed, tensions reportedly emerged—especially surrounding Catherine’s treatment within the royal fold.
Highgrove House, located in Gloucestershire, was part of the inheritance William received alongside his new titles. However, former royal gardener Jack Stooks, who spent over 20 years tending the estate, doubts that William has any intention of moving in.
Speaking to The Mirror, Stooks explained that the Prince’s Foundation now rents the Highgrove gardens from the Duchy of Cornwall—a precautionary move put in place before Charles became King. “I think Charles always sensed William wouldn’t live at Highgrove,” he shared. “So they protected the garden by placing it in the care of the Foundation.”
The current estate arrangement has left many puzzled. Stooks pointed out the unusual setup in which Charles now rents Highgrove from William, while William rents two other properties from the King. “It’s quite odd when you think about it,” he remarked.
William and Catherine have established their home life elsewhere, having raised their children at Anmer Hall and now residing at Adelaide Cottage. For William, Highgrove carries memories of his parents, but it no longer fits the life he has built with Catherine.
This quiet refusal to embrace Highgrove is being interpreted by royal watchers as a subtle yet meaningful message. Amid reports of Catherine’s unfair treatment behind palace walls, William’s decision to keep his distance from one of his father’s most personal legacies may be his own way of standing firm—for his wife, his family, and the future he envisions.
