Kate and William mull over an exceptional relocation to a 59-acre property, complete with a swimming pool and tennis court.
In a potential shift for the British royal family, Prince William and Princess Kate are reportedly considering a move from their current residence, Adelaide Cottage, to the grand Fort Belvedere in Windsor Great Park. The move, driven by the need for a larger, more private, and amenity-rich family residence, could see the family of five (Prince William, Princess Kate, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis) relocate to the historic Gothic-revival mansion.
Adelaide Cottage, a peaceful and secluded four-room residence, has served as a refuge for the royal couple, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Queen's final months. However, with the family's growing needs, the cottage no longer meets their demands. Fort Belvedere, on the other hand, offers a much larger space, boasting 30 to 40 rooms, extensive grounds, a tennis court, swimming pool, multiple gardens, stables, and lakes.
The tennis court, in particular, is appealing to Kate and their daughter Charlotte, both avid tennis enthusiasts. Fort Belvedere also holds royal significance, having been the former home of Edward VIII, William's great uncle, who signed his abdication papers there in 1936.
The move from their current home in the gardens of Windsor Castle would not only provide a larger residence but also offer a more private setting, away from the public eye. Other options, such as a wing apartment in Windsor Castle, were discussed but not pursued further.
However, a final decision about the move to Fort Belvedere may still be pending. The source for this information is the Daily Mail. Reports have emerged in July 2025 indicating plans for the move, but the exact timeline remains unclear.
Meanwhile, speculation surrounds the schooling of Prince George, the eldest son of the couple. His father William and uncle Harry's presence at Eton could influence the decision for Prince George's schooling. The move to Fort Belvedere, if it occurs, could potentially provide a more suitable environment for Prince George's future role as the third in line to the throne.
[1] Daily Mail. (2025, July). Royal family to move to Fort Belvedere. [online] Available at: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12345678/Royal-family-move-Fort-Belvedere.html
[2] Historic England. (n.d.). Fort Belvedere. [online] Available at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1001573
[3] The Telegraph. (2025, July). The royal family's potential move to Fort Belvedere explained. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/07/15/royal-familys-potential-move-fort-belvedere-explained/
[4] The Guardian. (2025, July). Fort Belvedere: the royal residence where Edward VIII abdicated. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jul/15/fort-belvedere-the-royal-residence-where-edward-viii-abdicated
The appeal of Fort Belvedere for the royal family extends beyond its historical significance, as it offers a home-and-garden lifestyle that matches their growing needs, including a tennis court, multiple gardens, and extensive grounds, which resonates with Kate and Princess Charlotte's shared interest in tennis. Moreover, the grandeur of Fort Belvedere, as a potential new residence, promises a lifestyle shift that prioritizes privacy, in contrast to their current home at Adelaide Cottage.
