The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, have officially settled into their new home in Windsor, where they’ve been residing for nearly a year.
It appears that they won’t be making any more moves anytime soon.
The couple, along with their three children, has been living in Adelaide Cottage since last year, but there are whispers that they might take over the Royal Lodge currently occupied by Prince Andrew, should he decide to vacate.
King Charles is reportedly eager for Prince Andrew to downsize from the lavish 30-room Royal Lodge, but the Duke of York seems determined to remain in his residence.
This situation leaves William and Kate in a bit of a bind, as they will likely continue staying in the cottage, which some insiders claim is too small for their family.
While they appreciate the charm of their current home, they’re feeling the pinch of space with just four bedrooms available.
Adelaide Cottage, nestled within the sprawling 265-hectare Windsor Estate, offers proximity to Windsor Castle.
This location allows the royal family to easily visit King Charles when he is in residence.
Built in 1831 for Queen Adelaide, the cottage holds historical significance and was also a beloved retreat for Queen Victoria, who enjoyed her breakfasts there.
After undergoing significant renovations in 2015, Adelaide Cottage caught the attention of William and Kate.
Despite its modest appearance by royal standards, the interior boasts impressive features, including a marble Greco-Egyptian fireplace.
The master bedroom is particularly striking, adorned with a vaulted ceiling embellished with gilded dolphins and decorative elements crafted from materials sourced from the Royal George Yacht.
Interestingly, the arrangement of bedrooms at the cottage is quite unconventional for a royal family.
William and Kate share a bedroom, which deviates from the traditional practice of separate sleeping quarters observed by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
The children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—each have their own room, but the family’s dynamic has changed since moving from Kensington Palace, where they had a more extensive support staff.
Privacy is another advantage of living in Adelaide Cottage.
With seven gated entrances and exits surrounding Windsor Castle, the family enjoys a level of seclusion that many other royal residences lack.
This adds to the appeal of their current abode, despite its spatial limitations.
In recent years, Adelaide Cottage has served as a cozy residence for royal staff and friends, but it also carries a storied past.
One of its most famous former residents was Captain Peter Townsend, who was romantically linked to Princess Margaret.
Their relationship stirred controversy due to their age difference and Townsend’s previous marriage, leading to disapproval from the Queen and the government.
While the family enjoys their time at Windsor, they also cherish annual trips to Balmoral, Scotland.
However, instead of staying in the main castle, they prefer the privacy of Taman Agar, a modest cottage gifted to William by his great-grandmother, the Queen Mother.
This hidden gem, with only three bedrooms, remains largely under wraps, with few images available to the public.
Balmoral itself is a stunning estate, encompassing over 20,000 hectares filled with lush woodlands, farmland, and diverse wildlife, including deer and highland cattle.
Though the royal family maintains their official duties during summer, they also make time for leisure activities like hunting, riding, and fishing amidst the breathtaking Scottish landscape.
The royal family’s history is rich with intrigue, featuring tales that range from the bizarre to the downright spooky.
For instance, Kensington Palace, their former residence, has its own ghost stories, including sightings of a woman in Regency clothing and a child ghost named Wild Boy Peter, who reportedly haunted Prince Louis’ nursery.
Wild Boy Peter’s story is particularly fascinating.
He was a boy brought from Hanover who lived in the woods and could not speak, believed to have suffered from a rare genetic condition.
His presence at Kensington Palace has captivated many, alongside other ghostly apparitions, including those of past royals like Queen Caroline and King George II, who is said to wander the palace lamenting his fallen soldiers.
As the Prince and Princess of Wales continue to navigate their royal duties and family life, their choice to reside in Adelaide Cottage reflects a blend of tradition and modernity.
Despite the challenges of space and the echoes of royal history, they seem to be embracing their new chapter with grace and dignity.
