Wales family preparing to move into Forest Lodge by Christmas
Princess Kate and Prince William are preparing to settle into a larger family home in Windsor Great Park before Christmas. Kensington Palace confirmed this week that the Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their children, will relocate to Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom residence for which they will pay market rent, according to The Mirror.
Reports suggest that Kate will not need to buy new furniture for the property. Instead, she will be able to select pieces from the “California Stores,” a vast warehouse on the Windsor Castle estate that houses an extraordinary collection of royal furnishings.
Royal author Richard Kay told the Daily Mail’s Palace Confidential podcast that the Princess has already been considering suitable pieces: “It has eight bedrooms and the princess has indeed been looking for the appropriate furniture. She hasn’t got to buy anything, because the royals have enormous storage known as California Stores. It’s bigger than any museum. She is always said to choose a large dining table for the new home.”
While the move is seen as a positive step for the family, not all commentators agree on its wider implications. Journalist Robert Jobson told The Sun that Prince William “could become less connected to the people” if he retreats too much into private life. Meanwhile, royal expert Matt Wilkon noted that William has long preferred to raise his children in the countryside, making Forest Lodge an ideal choice.