Princess Kate and Prince William's lease terms for Forest Lodge revealed after royal controversy

Svar Nanan-Sen

By Svar Nanan-Sen


Published: 02/12/2025

- 16:06

The arrangement stands in marked contrast to the controversial terms enjoyed by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

The Crown Estate has disclosed the terms under which the Prince and Princess of Wales occupy Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park.

William and Kate secured "a 20-year non-assignable lease with The Crown Estate for Forest Lodge, commencing 5 July 2025" at "open market rent," according to the estate management body.


The couple relocated to the Grade II-listed mansion with their children during the October half-term.

The property will function as their primary private residence.

Princess Kate and Prince William

The Crown Estate has disclosed the terms under which the Prince and Princess of Wales occupy Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park.

|

GETTY

The Crown Estate confirmed that negotiations proceeded on an arm's length basis to guarantee appropriate market terms were reached.

Independent property valuers from Hamptons and Savills were engaged to assess the mansion's worth on behalf of the Crown Estate.

Both parties sought separate professional guidance throughout the process.

William and Kate obtained independent legal and property advice, with Knight Frank representing them in the transaction.

Princess Kate and Prince William

William and Kate obtained independent legal and property advice, with Knight Frank representing them in the transaction.

|

GETTY

The Crown Estate similarly received its own independent counsel.

The lease was finalised as a 20-year Common Law Tenancy incorporating standard landlord and tenant repairing obligations.

This arrangement stands in marked contrast to the controversial terms enjoyed by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who pays a peppercorn rent for Royal Lodge, also situated within Windsor Great Park.

Princess Kate and Prince William

William and Kate secured "a 20-year non-assignable lease with The Crown Estate for Forest Lodge, commencing 5 July 2025" at "open market rent," according to the estate management body.

|

GETTY

The process began when William approached the Royal Household about the property.

Following those initial discussions, the Crown Estate commissioners were requested to evaluate whether the Grade II-listed mansion could be leased to the couple for their personal use.

The estate confirmed the property would serve as their "primary private residence."