The Prince and Princess of Wales’ new neighbours say they can’t wait to welcome the family to their neighbourhood – with some even inviting them around for a cup of tea.
William and Kate and their children George, Charlotte, and Louis will soon be moving to Windsor Great Park’s Forest Lodge – said to be their new ‘forever home’.
Although it’s only four miles away from their current house Adelaide Cottage, once they make the move, their nearest neighbours will be those living in Cranbourne Hall Residential Park.
Residents on the estate were delighted to find out about their new proximity to the royal family – who they described as “wonderful” and “good for the country”.
They said they were excited to welcome William and Kate to the area – and even had some tips for the best places to visit.
Jean Reeve, 87, said she would be happy to have the family in the area – but hoped the public would let them live in peace.
She said: “I’m happy for them. I welcome them. But I hope the public allow them to live their quietly as a family.
“It’s a less private spot than their previous home – from what I know about the location. So I’d hate for people to always be going past and saying, ‘Oh, that’s where they live.’
“They have young children after all. They deserve privacy.”
Mrs Reeve, who has lived in the area for 40 years, said William and Kate were probably her favourite members of the royal family.
She said: “I think they are going to be good for the country.
“I was a teenager when the Queen was crowned and she did a lot for this country.
“But now young blood is a good idea.
“And William and Kate are lovely. They’re young. They’re family-orientated. They’re always with their children.
“It’s a new style of monarchy. They’d like to be treated as normal people.”
Mrs Reeve wondered whether she would spot the family at any of her regular spots – such as the newsagent at the end of the estate.
She said: “I wonder if they’ll use the shop? It will be their nearest now.”
Steven Scorgie, 57, was also keen to welcome the royals to the neighbourhood.
He said: “I’m happy to hear they’re moving this way. It’ll be nice to have some nice neighbours.
“I hope they say the same about me!
“I’ll invite them in for a cuppa if they want.”
Mr Scorgie said he had always been a fan of the royals – most likely because his father served the British Army as a Scots Guard.
He said: “I’m a fan of the royals. They bring a lot of trade into this country.
“And my father served the Queen. So I was brought up that way.”
Discussing tips for the area, Mr Scorgie suggested William and Kate visit his favourite drinking spot.
“They should go to the Fifield Inn,” Mr Scorgie said. “That’s my favourite pub.”
Meanwhile, Rose and Norman Noyce, both 85, also gushed over the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Rose said: “I’m really happy about it. They’re my favourite royals. I think they’re wonderful people and will make a great King and Queen.
“I just hope they don’t mind living near us.”
Norman was also pleased by the move – but admitted he was used to being near royals as he once installed TV aerials on parts of the Crown Estate, including the Royal Household Bowling Club.
He said: “I met the Queen, Princess Margaret, and Fergie.
” The Queen even used to come down and watch the games at the club.”
The couple said they wondered whether William and Kate would try shopping in Bracknell.
Rose said: “They often seem to be out and about so I wouldn’t be too surprised.
“We often go to Bracknell.
“But I’m sure they’ll be shopping in some places we can’t afford.”
Cynthia Sullivan, 72, who has lived in Cranbourne for 16 years, was also positive when she heard the news.
She said: “Well that’s exciting to hear.
“I think they’re a lovely family. I wish them the best.
“It’s only a short move for them so I’m sure they know the area well. But they will be nearer two pubs – The Duke of Edinburgh and The Rose – so they’ll be good to visit.
“I think Harry and Meghan used to go there.”
Cynthia, who works as a teacher at a nearby primary school, said she thought most of her neighbours would be happy to be near William and Kate.
She said: “I’ve never heard anyone around here say anything anti-royalist.
“I think most people tend to like them around here.
“The children do too. When the Queen died we set up a memorial – and all the children wrote their own notes.
“It was sweet.”
Nicola Berry, 50, was shocked by how close Forest Lodge was to Cranbourne Residential Park.
She said: “I heard they were moving but I didn’t realise they’d be so close. Welcome, I suppose!
“It’s funny because usually when people move to the area I recommend walks in Windsor Great Park – but that’s their back garden!
“So I suppose I’d say avoid Legoland and give The Rose a go.”
Nicola thought it would be “hilarious” if the family were spotted in the estate’s local shop.
She said: “I suppose they’ll probably use the Windsor Farm Shop – as they’ve been seen there before.
“But it would be hilarious if they came to the shop here. Maybe for a late run once the farm shop is closed!”
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