Kate Middleton and Prince William’s Family Is Moving After 3 Years in Adelaide Cottage
For three years, Adelaide Cottage in Windsor has been more than just a home—it has been a private sanctuary for Prince William, Princess Kate, and their three young children, George, Charlotte, and Louis. But as of mid-2025, the Prince and Princess of Wales are preparing for a change of address. Reports confirm that the royal couple has decided to leave Adelaide Cottage behind and move their family into a new chapter, one that signals both practical necessity and symbolic renewal for the future king and queen consort.
A Cottage Fit for a Modern Royal Family
When William and Kate moved into Adelaide Cottage in 2022, the decision reflected their desire for normalcy and privacy after years of living under the scrutiny of Kensington Palace in London. The Grade II-listed property, located on the Windsor estate, provided the Wales family with exactly that: seclusion, open green space, and proximity to Windsor Castle, where Queen Elizabeth II spent her final months.
The cottage, originally built in 1831 for Queen Adelaide, the wife of King William IV, had been modernized with charm but retained its quaint, cottage-like feel. With four bedrooms, it was modest by royal standards. That modesty was part of its appeal; William and Kate wanted their children to experience as normal a childhood as possible, away from the bustle of central London.
For the children, Adelaide Cottage was a dream: sprawling grounds for football matches, nearby woodlands for exploring, and a short drive to their school, Lambrook, where all three siblings have flourished. For the parents, it meant privacy, a chance to raise their family away from constant cameras.
Why Move Now?
So why uproot after only three years? Royal insiders suggest several overlapping reasons.
First, the family’s needs are changing. Prince George recently turned 12, and with adolescence comes a new phase of life. He is expected to follow in his father’s footsteps and attend Eton College in the coming year. Living closer to the prestigious school may have weighed heavily in the family’s decision.
Second, the physical limitations of Adelaide Cottage have become more apparent. With only four bedrooms and no designated space for visiting staff, the cottage has reportedly grown tight for a family of five plus their occasional aides. Unlike larger royal residences, it lacks the flexibility required for the long-term needs of a future king and queen, who must balance private life with public responsibilities.
Third, there is symbolism in the move. William and Kate are gradually stepping further into their future roles as king and queen. Relocating into a larger, more traditional royal property reflects that evolution. After the turbulence of recent years—including Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in 2022, King Charles III’s cancer treatment, and Kate’s own health struggles earlier in 2025—this move marks a fresh start for a family that has been in the spotlight for both triumphs and trials.
Where Are They Going?
The family is reportedly preparing to move into Fort Belvedere, a striking Georgian house on the Windsor Great Park estate. The property carries a complicated history: it was once the residence of King Edward VIII and the site where he signed his abdication in 1936 to marry Wallis Simpson.
Fort Belvedere has since been modernized, and though still under the Crown Estate, it is considered one of the more private and secure properties available to senior royals. For William and Kate, the location offers seclusion, expansive grounds, and the space required for a growing family. It also places them in close proximity to both Eton and Windsor Castle, providing the balance between family life and royal duty.
The Children’s Perspective
George, Charlotte, and Louis are no strangers to change. From Kensington Palace to Norfolk’s Anmer Hall, and then to Adelaide Cottage, they’ve grown up moving between homes. Still, each transition has been managed with care.
At Lambrook, the children have thrived—George excelling in sports, Charlotte taking to music and theater, and Louis making his mark with cheeky humor that has charmed the public. Their parents are determined that the move will not disrupt their schooling. Sources close to the family indicate that the children will remain at Lambrook until George begins at Eton, after which the family may reassess educational plans for the younger two.
Kate’s Recovery and William’s Steadfast Role
The move also comes at a pivotal moment for Princess Kate. Earlier this year, she stepped back from public duties to undergo preventative cancer treatment. While details remain private, Kensington Palace has reassured the public that she is recovering well and intends to resume engagements later in 2025.
Prince William, meanwhile, has taken on an increasingly visible role, balancing support for his wife with royal duties on behalf of King Charles. Moving into a more expansive and secure residence is seen as part of his preparation for greater leadership within the monarchy.
Public Reaction
News of the move has sparked widespread curiosity, though public sentiment remains largely supportive. For many Britons, William and Kate represent stability within the monarchy—a modern couple raising a young family while preparing for the immense responsibility ahead.
Critics, however, question the timing and cost. Even though the Crown Estate maintains the property, and no taxpayer funds are directly involved in private moves, the optics of royals shifting between multiple residences can invite scrutiny, particularly during a period of economic strain.
A Symbol of Renewal
Ultimately, the move from Adelaide Cottage marks more than a change of address. It represents the ongoing evolution of the Prince and Princess of Wales as they edge closer to the throne. Adelaide Cottage will remain part of their story—a quiet, private chapter during which their children enjoyed relative normalcy, and Kate navigated profound personal challenges.
As they prepare to settle into Fort Belvedere, the Wales family does so with both history and the future in mind. The property’s past may be complicated, but in the hands of William and Kate, it could become a symbol of renewal: a place where a new generation of royals continues to balance tradition with the demands of modern life.
For now, Adelaide Cottage has served its purpose. The next chapter begins at Fort Belvedere—another royal home, another royal story in the making.
