A Hidden Royal Gem: The Castle That Almost Became Home for Kate and William

The late Queen Elizabeth II had many luxurious residences throughout her reign, but one particular castle stands out as a forgotten piece of royal history.

Fort Belvedere, located in Windsor Great Park, is a stunning Gothic Revival structure that has seen its fair share of royal occupants.

Interestingly, although the Queen never called it home, there were plans for Prince William and Kate Middleton to potentially make it their own.

Fort Belvedere was originally built in the 1750s for Prince William Augustus and boasts a rich history.

Over the years, several royals have graced its halls, but it was notably transformed during George IV's time.

He added an octagonal dining room, a three-story annex, and even a massive flagpole, enhancing its grandeur.

The castle later became a tea house under Queen Victoria, opening its doors to the public in the 1860s.

In the 1920s, the property caught the eye of Prince Edward, who would later become Edward VIII.

After moving in, he invested significantly in renovations, making it a fitting residence for a future king.

However, his love affair with American socialite Wallis Simpson led to a scandal that changed everything.

In 1936, he chose love over the crown, leaving Fort Belvedere behind and taking on the title of Duke of Windsor.

After Edward's departure, the castle remained unoccupied until 1955 when it became home to Gerald Lassells, the Queen's cousin.

Fast forward to 2022, and whispers began circulating that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge might be considering a move to this historic site.

Interiorist therapist Suzanne Roynon weighed in on the potential transition, suggesting that Fort Belvedere could pose significant challenges for the couple.

Roynon described the castle as a “nightmare” in terms of feng shui and negative energy, indicating that the Cambridges would need to carefully navigate these issues if they were to settle there.

Currently, they reside at Adelaide Cottage, which has been their family home for some time.

Kate Middleton has openly discussed the challenges of balancing motherhood with her royal duties.

Despite her initial reluctance to hire help, the demands of her role eventually led her and William to bring on a full-time nanny.

This decision came after they realized the pressures of royal life and parenting were more than they could manage alone.

Royal expert Katie Nicholl shared insights into a heartfelt conversation between Kate and the late Queen, where Kate admitted to struggling with the dual responsibilities of charity work and motherhood.

Initially, she wanted to remain hands-on with her firstborn, Prince George, but the reality proved difficult.

Their journey into parenthood began in 2013, and while they initially opted to forgo a nanny, they soon found themselves overwhelmed.

The couple ultimately hired Teresa Maria Turrian Borrello, a trained nanny from Norland College, to assist them.

Despite the couple's initial intentions, parenting writer Kelly Rose Bradford noted that they quickly recognized the need for support.

While they didn't have a nanny at first, Kate's mother, Carole Middleton, played a crucial role in helping with the children, stepping in when needed.

Nicholl emphasized the importance of the Middleton family in the lives of William and Kate.

She pointed out how Carole's involvement allows the couple to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst their royal duties.

From bedtime routines to bath time, Carole's presence has been invaluable to the growing family.

As the royal family continues to evolve, the legacy of Fort Belvedere remains a fascinating chapter in their history.

Whether or not the Cambridges will eventually call it home, the stories of love, duty, and family continue to shape their lives.