Prince William and Princess Kate never intended Adelaide Cottage to become their Windsor home, according to royal sources.
It is understood that the modest four-bedroom property became their residence in August 2022, only after their preferred choice proved impossible to secure.
Royal Lodge, the sprawling 30-room mansion occupied by Prince Andrew for more than two decades, had reportedly been the couple's original target when planning their departure from Kensington Palace.
However, the prince's refusal to relocate forced a dramatic change of plans.
Adelaide Cottage ‘never original plan for William and Kate’ as Waleses ‘forced to compromise’
|GETTY
"Them going into Adelaide Cottage was never the plan. But they were forced to because Prince Andrew wouldn't shift," a source told the Mail on Sunday.
The compromise left the future King and Queen settling for a significantly smaller property located just over three miles from their intended home.
Adelaide Cottage, though charming, offered far less space than the expansive Royal Lodge they had originally envisioned for raising their three children in the Windsor countryside.
The family now plans to establish itself at Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom Georgian property situated approximately one mile from Royal Lodge.
Kate moved to Adelaide Cottage in the summer of 2022 | GETTY
The upcoming half-term holiday has been identified as the ideal period for the transition, with the children able to adjust during their school break.
William and Kate view Forest Lodge as the perfect environment for their vision of raising Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis in a more pastoral setting.
The property would allow them to maintain their hands-on parenting style whilst providing the rural upbringing they desire for their children.
Both Forest Lodge and Royal Lodge occupy peaceful locations within Windsor Great Park, surrounded by fields and woodland where Prince Andrew currently enjoys horse riding.
As part of his 75-year lease, the Duke of York agreed to maintain Royal Lodge | PAThe proximity between the two properties has become a significant concern as the relocation approaches.
The Princess of Wales reportedly experiences significant unease about the proximity to Royal Lodge whilst Prince Andrew remains in residence.
"Catherine shudders at the thought of living so close to Royal Lodge while Prince Andrew is still in it," a source told the publication.
The future King has made his position clear regarding his uncle's continued occupation of the estate.
Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew divorced in 1996 but continue to live at Royal Lodge | GETTY"William wants him gone before they start to move in next week," the source claimed.
Daily discussions about Prince Andrew's living arrangements continue as public anger grows over his modest rental payments for the luxurious property.
Palace insiders suggest that, despite Andrew's legally binding tenancy agreement, mounting public criticism makes his position increasingly difficult to maintain.
GB News has contacted Kensington Palace for comment.