Prince William and Princess Kate branded ‘hypocrites’ over new security measures at Forest Lodge

In August it was confirmed that the Waleses would be making the move from Adelaide Cottage, with renovations beginning and an extensive security curtain established around the property.

However, residents in Windsor Great Park have voiced their anger after discovering that access to familiar walking areas and some amenities would be permanently blocked due to the new security arrangements.

A restricted zone has now been established around Forest Lodge, including a 2.3-mile perimeter fence, advanced surveillance cameras and new hedging to ensure privacy.

Anyone entering the restricted zone, encompassing previously accessible parkland south of Windsor Castle that has been part of the royal estate since the 14th century, faces the possibility of immediate arrest.

The new measures have resulted in Cranbourne Gate car park, which charged residents an annual £110 fee for exclusive parking privileges, being suddenly cut off from public access.

Residents are understood to have been only notified about the "important changes to access" by Windsor Great Park management in late September, leaving them furious.

Many worry the remaining car parks will become overwhelmed, particularly during weekends when families visit.

"(The Royal family) encourage us to go out in the fresh air, and then they're restricting us. It's hypocritical," one local dog walker told The Telegraph.

Macca Sherifi, who operates Windsor Uncovered travel blog and regularly jogs through the park, also shared her disappointment.

"It's not so much the security measure itself that people are questioning, but the lack of clarity and transparency about why specific paths were chosen and whether any alternatives will be provided."

"It feels like a public right of way has quietly become off-limits without explanation," Ms Sherifi added.

"I'm pretty angry about it," said Robin Paulson, an equestrian who has frequented the grounds for years.

“They haven't given us any warning or notice,” she fumed.

The closures have also affected cherished locations including South Forest and a hillside that provided scenic views towards Forest Lodge.

One regular visitor, who walks her dog in the park twice weekly, described taking a "sentimental" final walk with her husband across the hill before it became inaccessible.

"We loved that hill," she despaired.

The relocation to Forest Lodge represents a new beginning for the Wales family following a turbulent few years during their time at Adelaide Cottage, including Princess Kate’s and King Charles’s cancer treatment and the death of Queen Elizabeth.

A royal source explained that the move will offer the family "an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter" and "to leave some of the more unhappy memories behind".