Prince William and Princess Catherine’s Permanent Move to Windsor: Why They’ll Never Return to London
Since 2022, the Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—have called Adelaide Cottage in Windsor their home. While their previous residence, Kensington Palace, remains partially open to the public, their family home in Windsor is a private sanctuary, and it seems the Wales family has no plans to return to London—even when William eventually becomes king.
The decision to relocate to Windsor was driven by a desire to escape the "goldfish bowl" lifestyle of London, where privacy is scarce and public scrutiny is constant. For William and Catherine, raising their children in a more relaxed, countryside setting was a priority. As one source explained, “The reality is they are quite confined in what they can do in London. The kids can’t go into the park and kick a football with friends.” This sentiment echoes Prince Harry’s past comparison of Kensington Palace to a prison, highlighting the challenges of royal life in the bustling capital.
While the family’s private office remains in London, their primary residence is firmly rooted in Windsor. “You don’t need to move back to London to keep the flow of the monarchy going,” a royal insider noted. Even when William ascends to the throne, it’s unlikely that he and Catherine will uproot their family and return to London. This means no future scenes of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, or Prince Louis running through the halls of Buckingham Palace. Instead, the family will likely maintain their Windsor base, with occasional visits to London for official duties or public events.
Adelaide Cottage, a charming grace-and-favor residence leased from the Crown Estate, has become the perfect home for the Wales family. Unlike Kensington Palace, which is partially open to the public, Adelaide Cottage is a private home, offering the family the seclusion they crave. The cottage underwent a full refurbishment in 2015 and is said to feature a beautiful garden, a cozy study, and a master bedroom adorned with unique touches, including golden dolphins and ceiling rope recycled from a 19th-century royal yacht.
The family’s outdoor space was briefly glimpsed during Princess Charlotte’s eighth birthday celebrations, when Catherine shared a photo of her daughter sitting in a modern wicker chair—a stark contrast to the traditional wooden furniture they had at Kensington Palace. This small peek into their private life underscores their commitment to maintaining a sense of normalcy for their children.
Even during their time at Kensington Palace, William and Catherine prioritized their children’s privacy. Their former residence, Apartment 1A, boasted 20 rooms across four stories, but its lack of seclusion ultimately led to their move to Windsor. At Adelaide Cottage, the family enjoys the added benefit of being located within Home Park, a private park owned by the Crown Estate. This serene setting allows the children to play freely, away from the prying eyes of the public.
The move to Windsor also brought the family closer to the late Queen Elizabeth II during her final months. As William prepared to take on more responsibilities within the monarchy, being geographically close to his grandmother was crucial. “Katherine understood that for William, as a future king, it was important for him to be closer to the Queen in her final months,” a source revealed. The proximity allowed William and the Queen to meet in person and speak on the phone regularly, strengthening their bond during her last days.
While King Charles III and Queen Camilla currently reside at Clarence House in London, they are expected to move to Buckingham Palace once extensive renovations are completed in 2027. However, William and Catherine’s decision to remain in Windsor signals a shift in how the monarchy approaches royal residences. By choosing a quieter, more private lifestyle, the future king and queen are prioritizing their family’s well-being while still fulfilling their royal duties.
Adelaide Cottage, originally built in 1831 for Queen Adelaide, has become a symbol of this new chapter for the Wales family. Its location in Home Park, near Prince Harry’s former UK home, Frogmore Cottage, adds another layer of significance to their move. For William and Catherine, Windsor represents a balance between royal tradition and modern family life—a balance they are determined to maintain as they prepare for the future.
As the Prince and Princess of Wales continue to raise their children in the peaceful surroundings of Windsor, their decision to step away from London’s spotlight reflects a broader shift within the monarchy. By prioritizing privacy, family, and a sense of normalcy, William and Catherine are setting a new standard for royal life—one that values personal well-being alongside public service. And while Buckingham Palace may remain the symbolic heart of the monarchy, it’s clear that the Wales family’s true home will always be in Windsor.
