Prince William and Kate 'eyeing up move' to historic castle with dark past
There's ongoing speculation that Prince William and Kate Middleton could be considering a house move from their current home in Adelaide Cottage after three years. However, its the intriguing history of the potential residence which has sparked conversation.
Adelaide Cottage is considered small in comparison to the size of the Wales family's previous full-time home, a grand apartment in Kensington Palace. Reports suggest they are seeking a larger space for their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
An insider has hinted according to reports in the Mirror, that the royals might be eyeing Fort Belvedere, a magnificent gothic revival mansion situated within Windsor Great Park.
Constructed in the 18th century, Fort Belvedere was the preferred royal dwelling of Edward VIII, who resided there both before his ascension to the throne and following his abdication to wed Wallis Simpson. This imposing castle was the location where the former king signed the documents that confirmed his notorious abdication in 1936.
The expansive grade II-listed property spans 59 acres and features an outdoor swimming pool and tennis court. These features are said to be a huge selling point to Kate and Charlotte, both avid sports enthusiasts.
Often referred to as The Fort, this country house also boasts a rose garden, walled garden, separate kitchen garden, large greenhouse, stables, two lakes, paddocks and three cottages for staff. The residence is accessible via a lengthy path and is encircled by a moat.
The grand residence was once the site of several cannons from the 1745 Jacobite rising, historically positioned along its battlements. Edward VIII is credited with saving the building, a favourite summer tea house of Queen Victoria, from neglect and introducing opulent amenities.
Following his departure, the estate stood mostly vacant until 1956 when Gerald Lascelles, a cousin of Queen Elizabeth, took up residence.
Initially a large mansion with 30 to 40 rooms, it's believed he downsized it to just eight bedrooms. The property was later leased in the early 1980s to Canadian retail magnate Galen Weston and his wife Hilary.
Under the Westons' tenure, a polo stud was established on the grounds, and they famously entertained Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, and Princess Caroline of Monaco during Hilary's 60th birthday celebrations in an expansive marquee adjacent to the house.
Mr Weston, whose fortune was estimated at £5.2 billion, passed away in 2021 at the age of 80, but his family has maintained their residence there, with the property remaining under the ownership of the Crown Estate.
A source with insider knowledge disclosed to the Mail on Sunday, "[The Waleses] 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 Charlotte loves playing tennis."
It's understood that William and Kate contemplated residing in the unoccupied Fort Belvedere before ultimately choosing Adelaide Cottage. It's believed that they deemed Adelaide Cottage more fitting due to its proximity to Queen Elizabeth, and their desire to provide a more grounded upbringing for their children.
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