Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton are settling into their new residence at Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, marking a significant transition for the royal family. The move, which took place in October 2025, represents a long-term commitment to the Windsor area where their three children attend school.
The couple holds a 20-year lease for Forest Lodge, which commenced July 5, 2025. Unlike some royal living arrangements that have drawn scrutiny, William and Kate pay market rent for the property and funded minor renovations themselves before moving in. The eight-bedroom residence serves as their primary private home alongside Prince George, age 12, Princess Charlotte, age 10, and Prince Louis, age 7.
The family’s relocation from Adelaide Cottage required security measures that have disrupted the surrounding community. A security cordon was installed around Forest Lodge, complete with a 6-mile exclusion zone that has affected residents who previously enjoyed access to parts of Windsor Great Park. Two families vacated homes near Forest Lodge as part of the enhanced security arrangements.
The Prince and Princess of Wales maintain their preference for no live-in staff at Forest Lodge, continuing a practice they established at their previous residence. This decision reflects a more modern approach to royal family life, allowing William and Kate to maintain greater privacy and a more traditional family dynamic with their children.
The family’s commitment to the Windsor area extends beyond their new home. All three children attend Lambrook School, and the location provides convenient access to Windsor Castle for royal functions and engagements. The long-term lease suggests the couple views Forest Lodge as their permanent residence, potentially remaining there even after William ascends to the throne.
Financial details reveal the Prince and Princess of Wales received $30.9 million, equivalent to £22.9 million, in annual income. This income covers public, private and charitable expenses for the couple and their three children.
The Wales family has maintained strong connections within their household staff. Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, the Spanish-born nanny who has cared for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis since 2014, received a Royal Victorian Medal on December 29, 2025. The dedicated childcare expert has spent over a decade serving the Prince and Princess of Wales.
William and Kate have maintained strict privacy around their nanny’s role throughout her tenure with the family. “We will not be giving further details on Maria or her employment, except to say that the duke and duchess are of course delighted she has chosen to join them,” read the couple’s sole public statement on the matter when confirming her appointment.
The nanny works alongside William and Kate during both private family moments and official public engagements. Maria Teresa has been photographed at several significant family occasions over the years, including while attending to Prince George and Princess Charlotte at events.
Kate Middleton has continued taking an active role in her children’s development and confidence building. On December 5, Kate and Princess Charlotte performed a piano duet to kick off an annual Christmas concert at Westminster Abbey. The Princess of Wales also took Charlotte and Louis to a Christmas show without William and George in attendance.
The mother of three attended a Christmas show with her younger children in December. “Today, we were honoured by the presence of Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, alongside Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who attended our matinee performance,” the show’s host wrote, describing seeing them in the Royal Box as a career highlight.
The couple’s approach to family photography has also garnered attention. Joshua Shinner, the photographer behind the Wales family’s Christmas card photos and iconic family portraits, recently shared insights into his methods. He explained that creating a relaxed atmosphere allows subjects to be themselves, which produces better pictures. Shinner noted that some of his favorite pictures are the most informal, emphasizing that capturing a moment doesn’t need to be complicated or require extensive time or equipment.
The photographer’s approach aligns with William and Kate’s preference for presenting a wholesome, authentic family image to the public. From shots of the family sitting in a meadow of daisies to classic black and white studio portraits, the images reflect the couple’s desire to balance their public roles with private family life.
Looking ahead, William and Kate will assume new responsibilities as Grantors of Royal Warrants. King Charles III granted them these titles, giving the couple authority to publicly endorse their favorite brands. The role allows them to bestow recognition to companies or individuals who have supplied products or services on a regular basis to the Royal Household.
The move to Forest Lodge and the family’s continued presence in Windsor underscore William and Kate’s commitment to providing stability for their children while managing their increasing royal responsibilities. The 20-year lease demonstrates their long-term planning and dedication to creating a permanent home base for their family as they prepare for their future roles within the monarchy.
The Wales family’s residence at Forest Lodge represents more than just a change of address. It reflects their evolving approach to royal life, balancing tradition with modern parenting preferences while maintaining the security and privacy necessary for the future king and his siblings. As George, Charlotte and Louis grow up in Windsor, the family continues to navigate the unique challenges of raising children in the public eye while preserving as much normalcy as possible in their daily lives.
