The News
A Royal Dilemma: The Wales Family’s Housing Conundrum
Nestled in the picturesque British countryside, the home of Prince William and Princess Catherine has transformed into more than just a residence; it's their personal sanctuary.
While the couple is reportedly exploring options within the royal property portfolio, there's one particular residence they seem keen to avoid.
Currently, the Prince and Princess of Wales are settled at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor and Amner Hall in Norfolk, with a grand apartment at Kensington Palace serving as their official royal base.
Adelaide Cottage boasts an ideal location, being close to Lambrook School, where their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—are enrolled.
As their family grows, however, the Waleses are contemplating plans to expand the existing empty annex to accommodate their needs.
According to sources, there's a hidden gem behind their Windsor abode—a neglected, rundown annex that could be worth around £1 million in its current state.
If the Wales family opts for renovations, this could provide the extra space they desire, eliminating the need to consider the royal lodge.
It seems that the millennial royals are wary of the mansion's extensive space and the responsibilities that come with it.
While they cherish Adelaide Cottage, which suits their family well, Amner Hall offers much more room and expansive grounds.
Adelaide Cottage serves as their term-time residence while the kids attend school, whereas Amner Hall is reserved for long weekends and holidays.
The renovation plans reportedly involve restoring the dilapidated red-brick annex, which would serve as a retreat for the future Queen and her staff.
However, this decision isn't without its challenges.
The Prince of Wales is acutely aware of public scrutiny regarding royal expenditures and is taking a careful approach to manage costs personally.
Sources indicate that renovation discussions have been quietly bubbling beneath the surface, and with the Princess of Wales on the mend, the family is waiting for the perfect moment to move forward.
Recent media reports suggest that King Charles III has reconsidered his stance on the royal lodge, though not in terms of evicting his brother.
The future of the residence remains uncertain, with speculation surrounding whether William and Catherine would even consider moving there.
A close friend of William noted that one of the primary reasons the Wales family feels at home in Adelaide Cottage is its intimate, family-oriented atmosphere, devoid of live-in staff.
The prospect of moving into the sprawling royal lodge, which would necessitate accommodating domestic staff, is something they have long resisted.
This leaves Frogmore Cottage as a potential alternative, though it has remained vacant since King Charles ousted Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from the property over a year ago.
William and Catherine are reportedly against the idea of moving into Frogmore, largely due to their strained relationship with the Sussexes.
Harry and Meghan had envisioned Frogmore as a safe haven, even if they returned to the UK infrequently.
This assumption underscores the widening rift between King Charles and his son.
Additionally, it seems unlikely that Catherine would want to reside in a house that was designed and renovated by Meghan rather than William.
Meanwhile, former Prince Andrew is facing his own challenges, having recently dismissed his security team at the royal lodge.
He's expected to remain until the end of October, but financial constraints may soon force him to vacate.
Despite King Charles's efforts to streamline royal residences and modernize the monarchy, Andrew appears determined to cling to his current situation.
As the Wales family navigates their housing options, the complexities of royal life continue to unfold, revealing a fascinating glimpse into the personal lives of Britain's future monarchs.