Prince William, the heir to the throne, and his spouse, Kate Middleton, have decided it is time for a new chapter, and what better way to begin than with a major move. However, his aspirations were quickly brought back to reality by his father, King Charles III.
Kate Middleton experienced a grueling and complicated year during which she underwent major surgery and battled cancer. After completing chemotherapy and returning to her royal duties, this challenging period prompted the Prince and Princess of Wales to decide that now is the right time for a significant change. The couple is now planning to relocate with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
The family has been living in Adelaide Cottage for nearly three years. While the property is luxurious, it is considered too small for a family of five, who also have staff, including nannies, and numerous pets. Additionally, the Princess of Wales’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, often stayed with her as she recuperated from illness and chemotherapy. This is why the family has reportedly revealed their plans to move to Fort Belvedere.
According to the Daily Mail, Edward VIII made Fort Belvedere his home, famously signing his abdication papers there. Built between 1750 and 1755 for Prince William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, the home has about 40 rooms.
The Mail revealed: “The sprawling, grade II-listed property is set in 59 acres and has an outdoor swimming pool and tennis court, which sources say is particularly appealing for Kate and Charlotte, both of whom are enthusiasts. Known as The Fort, the country house also features various gardens, a large greenhouse, stables, two lakes, paddocks, and cottages for staff.”
One well-connected source explained to the Mail: “They feel they have outgrown Adelaide Cottage and need somewhere more substantial. This is the perfect new home for them. It has a swimming pool and tennis court, and Princess Charlotte loves playing tennis.”
However, Yahoo has revealed that, after learning about the plans, King Charles put his foot down on the idea. He told Prince William and Princess Kate that the cost of renovations for the move is too much and unnecessary, especially as they plan to slim down the monarchy and stop wasting taxpayers’ money.
As a Palace source told journalist Rob Shuter: “It’ll take millions to renovate. King Charles sees it as an unnecessary extravagance. King Charles has made a point of streamlining the monarchy in recent years, cutting costs and tightening budgets.”
However, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, are reportedly fighting back with their own reasoning. Moving to Fort Belvedere is part of the long-term plan for the future King and Queen of the UK. The estate is ideal for the children to grow and become adults, and its location is perfect for Prince George’s future education.
Fort Belvedere is near Eton College, where Prince George is widely expected to attend, and is seen as a major advantage. It also offers far greater privacy and security than their current home, situated in Windsor’s Home Park.
As one insider explained: “They’ve outgrown Adelaide Cottage. Fort Belvedere has it all — history, land, and proximity to Eton.”
King Charles’s stubbornness on the subject has baffled many, for he and Queen Camilla live lavishly in almost a dozen mansions and châteaus.
How about using their own money to make any necessary repairs…they’re all multimillionaires!