Kate and William’s ‘gutted’ new neighbours make fresh complaints over house move

Published 2 hours ago
Source: metro.co.uk
Neighbours 'asked to move out homes' to make way for William and Kate PA/Getty Images
Prince William and Kate Middleton have come under fire again following further complaints made about their ‘forever home’ of Forest Lodge. The Prince and Princess of Wales moved into the sprawling £16 million mansion in November, which sits in the grounds of Great Windsor Park. (Picture: Heritage Images)
However, when the couple announced that they would be moving to the grand residence with their three children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, earlier this year, some local residents weren’t ecstatic about the news. This is due to the extensive security measures the royals installed, including CCTV, a ‘ring of steel’ cordon, and fencing that closed off around 150 acres of previously public land within the park. (Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Forest Lodge, formerly known as Holly Grove, Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, 2018. Artist Historic England Staff Photographer. (Photo by English Heritage/Heritage Images/Getty Images)
This extra security has subsequently cut off local walking routes, downsized car parks, and impacted dog walkers, who, before the royal move, were free to roam the area. At the time, people reported feeling ‘ambushed’ and ‘gutted’ about the restrictions, complaining that the move was selfish — even though they acknowledged that the family’s privacy was also important. (Picture: English Heritage/Heritage Images/Getty Images)
New fencing and a new sign advising of a diversion to a different exit at the junction of Prince Consort Drive in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, where preparations are underway for the Prince and Princess of Wales to move to the eight-bedroom Forest Lodge property with their children George, Charlotte and Louis. Picture date: Monday September 29, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire
Now, fresh criticisms have now come to light. Speaking to Daily Mail, a neighbour said: ‘They say you can use other gates but you can’t because there’s nowhere to park. We’ve lived here for 20 years, it’s lovely in there. We appreciate they need privacy, but it’s a real shame. We are absolutely gutted.’ Another person added that ‘it’s a blow, but they aren’t going to change their minds.’ Someone else said that ‘it would have been decent of them to send a bottle of wine or something to apologise.’ As per the Mail, the royal couple have been ‘alarmed’ by the backlash. However, the outlet also reported that Palace sources have since disputed this. (Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)
A view of workmen installing fencing on the perimeter of the new exclusion zone in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, where preparations are underway for the Prince and Princess of Wales to move to the eight-bedroom Forest Lodge property with their children George, Charlotte and Louis. Picture date: Monday September 29, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire
Apparently, anyone caught trespassing on the parts of former public land — now known as the ‘Serious Organised Crime and Police Act exclusion area’ — will be arrested. Residents who live within a mile of Windsor Park have the option to pay a £60 fee, which will grant access to parts of the land inaccessible to visitors. Despite this, some have rendered this decision ‘useless,’ noting that the now unavailable areas have closed a ‘handy’ local road that cuts through the park. With the changes, it allegedly adds ‘miles’ to what once was a short journey. (Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)
A sign advising of the permanent closures of Cranborne Gate car park in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, where preparations are underway for the Prince and Princess of Wales to move to the eight-bedroom Forest Lodge property with their children George, Charlotte and Louis. Picture date: Monday September 29, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire
Kate and William’s new home of Forest Lodge is a Grade II listed Georgian mansion that was built in the 1770s, featuring eight bedrooms, a chandelier-lit ballroom, a tennis court, and extensive grounds. This includes several cottages where the couple’s security and nanny are said to live. According to an insider in the Daily Mail, the move ‘is for the long term and it’s their intention to stay in Forest Lodge once he [William] becomes king.’ (Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)

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Mandatory Credit: Photo by Shutterstock (13692373a) Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor Estate, the home of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Pic taken across the River Thames from public area. Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor Estate, Berkshire, UK - 27 Dec 2022
Before Forest Lodge, the family lived in Adelaide Cottage, another historic royal residence on the Windsor Estate in Berkshire, and just three miles from their new property. The ‘cottage’ backed onto 650 acres of private gardens that adjoin Windsor Castle. The home was well and truly fit for royalty and it didn’t require any additional security arrangements. (Picture: Shutterstock)

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NewsUKCatherine, Princess of WalesPrince William, Prince of WaleRoyal Family
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