Prince William may move to an 8-bedroom mansion

Prince William's family will reportedly move to an 8-bedroom mansion built in the late 18th century, raising questions about the future of Buckingham Palace.

A Kensington Palace spokesperson confirmed on 20/8 that Prince William's family will "move later this year", but provided no further details. The Sun previously reported that Prince William and his wife, Princess Kate, consider the new house their "forever home".

According to the report, they will move to Forest Lodge, an 8-bedroom mansion dating back to the late 18th century on the Windsor royal estate west of London. This is larger than their current 4-bedroom home, Adelaide Cottage, which is also on the estate.

Prince and Princess of Wales William at a welcome ceremony for the French President and his wife at Windsor Castle on 8/7. Photo: AFP

Prince and Princess of Wales William at a welcome ceremony for the French President and his wife at Windsor Castle on 8/7. Photo: AFP

The Prince's family is privately funding the renovation and move. Sources say the family is hoping for a "fresh start" after Princess Kate's cancer diagnosis in 2024. Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, all attend schools nearby.

However, the Prince's decision to settle in Windsor has raised concerns about the future of Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the monarch.

British monarchs have resided at Buckingham Palace since 1837. The palace is located in central London, near the Houses of Parliament and the Prime Minister's office at 10 Downing Street.

It is also the venue for many royal events, from summer garden parties to state banquets. During the summer months, some areas of the 755-room palace are open to the public.

However, King Charles III, 76, does not currently live there, and the late Queen Elizabeth II also moved to Windsor Castle before her death in 2022. Buckingham Palace is undergoing renovations costing 429 million USD, scheduled for completion in 2027.

King Charles reportedly prefers Clarence House, where he has lived since 2023. He is undergoing cancer treatment and is unlikely to return to Buckingham Palace soon.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said, "It would be a great shame if Buckingham Palace were sidelined by the royals". He added, "It's an iconic building, comparable to the White House".

Fitzwilliams noted the enduring importance of Buckingham Palace to the United Kingdom. "It must remain the center of the monarchy, whether or not the Prince and Princess of Wales actually live there," he said.