George, Charlotte and Louis 'thriving' as Kate and William decide to move into new home

Prince William and Princess Kate have been living in Adelaide Cottage for three years after leaving their apartment in Kensington Palace in 2022, but are now seeking a bigger property for their family.

Sources close to the couple emphasise that their 2022 relocation from Kensington Palace to Adelaide Cottage served as a trial period to assess whether the area suited their family's needs.

An insider said the move was "designed to test a new location and see if it worked for them as a family" and that Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are “thriving” in Windsor.

All three of the children attend Lambrook School which allows Princess Kate and Prince William to “do the school run” most mornings.

This is something that Prince William wants to continue to do even when he becomes king hence his preference to remain at Forest Lodge even after becoming monarch.

Forest Lodge will be a substantial upgrade from Adelaide Cottage, featuring eight bedrooms across three storeys compared to their current four-bedroom accommodation.

The property features a chandelier-adorned ballroom, a tennis court, and Venetian windows, all set within expansive grounds.

Local residents have described the residence as a clear "step up" from where the family has lived since 2022.

The property contains six bathrooms, a long gallery, and underwent £1.5 million worth of renovations in 2001.

Forest Lodge has been part of the Crown Estate since 1829, and it previously housed royal staff members, including equerries and private secretaries.

The Prince and Princess of Wales will pay a market rent for Forest Lodge, which is never publicly disclosed for commercial reasons.

The local council has approved plans for a limited amount of internal and external renovations, which will be funded by Kate and William.

The building work has already begun ahead of the Wales family moving in by the end of 2025.