With the Prince and Princess of Wales set to move into their ‘forever home’ of Forest Lodge later this year, royal expert Jennie Bond has revealed the royal couple’s motivation for such a drastic change
Prince William and Princess Kate are busy planning their big move to Forest Lodge on the Windsor estate, after it was revealed the Waleses are upgrading from their beloved Adelaide Cottage, which they have called home for several years.
Amid news of their move, which will be finalised later this year, it was shared that the royal couple will likely stay in Forest Lodge when William ascends the throne, rather than move to one of the more prominent royal residences, such as Buckingham Palace.
Now, royal expert Jennie Bond has revealed the motivations behind the big move, and how it all ties back to William’s childhood growing up in the Firm.
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The former BBC royal commentator told the Mirror: “William is focused on creating a stable and private family life: the kind he never had when he was growing up. And so he wants to keep his family firmly rooted.
“He’s already defined the way he wants to do things: he calls it royalty with a small R. And I think a ‘forever’ home at Forest Lodge is in keeping with that philosophy.”
While many have commented on how William’s future living situation will signify a major break in royal tradition, as he would be the first monarch to not live in a castle or a palace, Jennie believes the rule breaking will not be at the forefront of Prince William’s mind as he forges his own new era of the monarchy.
“I don’t think William is going to bat an eyelid about breaking certain royal traditions,” she said. “He doesn’t want to live in a palace or a castle and he has made up his mind to do things differently. Living in a house – albeit a pretty big house as Forest Lodge is – will give his family a much more normal life, and that, I’m sure, is going to stand them in good stead.”
After Jennie Bond’s first-hand experience with the royal family, she believes that William and Kate are likely to follow in Diana’s footsteps to create a warm, inviting home environment for their children, and steer away from the pomp and pageantry often associated with the royal family when designing their forever home.
She said: “I have spent time with the King at his Highgrove home and with Diana in her apartment at Kensington Palace. Both were quite cosy and comfortable. Diana, in particular, had a light touch with the décor: squashy sofas, soft colours and nothing too staid.
“And I think that’s the kind of atmosphere William wants his children to grow up in, which is why he’s made it quite clear that he doesn’t intend to move to Windsor Castle, or indeed to Buckingham Palace, when the time comes for him to become king.”
While Kate has lived as a working royal for more than a decade, Jennie believes that living in a more modest home than one of the royal palaces will be welcomed by the Princess of Wales, who did not grow up in the spotlight like her husband.
Jennie said: “All of which is probably a great relief for Catherine who, of course, grew up in a “normal” happy family home and would probably hate the idea of living in a huge, draughty, ancient castle, or a palace in the centre of London with nearly 800 rooms.”
The royal expert added that their forever home will add a touch of normalcy and comfort to their lives, as they continue to serve the Firm and prepare for William, and some day Prince George, to be king.
“There is enough about being royal that must seem seriously odd,” Bond said. “At least the place you call home should be somewhere you feel comfortable and comforted.”
