Wallis Simpson’s beloved royal home ‘off-limits’ to Prince William and Princess Kate

At the time, Kensington Palace attempted to play down the story, with aides claiming that no move was imminent.

After publication in the media, the story was dismissed as a typical "silly season" tale. In reality, plans for a move were already underway.

One option considered was Fort Belvedere, the Gothic Revival mansion in Windsor Great Park once beloved by King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson.

The Grade II-listed property has been leased by the family of Galen Weston, the late Canadian retail billionaire, since the early 1980s.

It turns out the family renewed their contract earlier this year, meaning the house was off-limits to William and Kate.

Instead, the Prince and Princess of Wales are preparing to relocate later this year to Forest Lodge, a 300-year-old Grade II-listed home in Windsor Great Park that has been described as their "forever home."

The property features a ballroom with chandeliers, a tennis court, Venetian windows and extensive grounds – a significant step up from the modest four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage, where the couple and their three children have lived for the past three years.

Their time at Adelaide Cottage coincided with turbulent moments for the Waleses.

Queen Elizabeth II died just weeks after they moved in, and in 2024, both King Charles and Kate revealed cancer diagnoses.

Royal insiders say the couple view Forest Lodge as a chance for a "fresh start" and to leave difficult memories behind.

Activity around the property suggests preparations are already underway, with builders' vans seen outside, new shrubs planted and a black mesh privacy fence erected around the front of the house.

Forest Lodge, last renovated in 2001, is just a few miles from Lambrook School, where Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are pupils.

The move, including rent, is understood to be privately funded by William and Kate at no cost to the taxpayer.

The Sun reported that Kate was seen selecting a 24-seater dining table for the property.

"This house is much larger than Adelaide Cottage. There is a dining room and drawing room, which require substantial pieces of furniture," one source said.

But the idea that Forest Lodge could be the family's permanent residence has prompted doubt among some courtiers.

"How can this be their forever home?" asked one source. "It is not grand enough for a King."

A Kensington Palace spokesman confirmed to GB News: “The Wales family will move house later this year.”