Kate Middleton and Prince William once called Kensington Palace home, a residence known for its grandeur. However, their unexpected decision to relocate to Windsor in 2022 took many by surprise, as noted by a royal expert. While it was widely assumed their move was primarily to be closer to Queen Elizabeth, who was then residing at Windsor Castle, several other factors also played a role.
Their new home, Adelaide Cottage, carries historical charm, having been constructed in 1831 as a summer retreat for Queen Adelaide. Unlike their sprawling Kensington Palace residence, which boasted 20 rooms across four stories, this property is much smaller, with just four bedrooms and no on-site accommodations for staff, according to Architectural Digest.
Adelaide Cottage offers the royal family privacy and a down-to-earth lifestyle
Beyond its proximity to Windsor Castle and the late Queen, the cottage offers the family a simpler and more private lifestyle. Royal commentator Duncan Larcombe told OK magazine (via Hello!) that the move reflected their preference for a down-to-earth family environment.
He remarked, “They could have chosen from many other options, but Adelaide Cottage aligns with their desire to live without servants and an overwhelming number of rooms.”
Without space for live-in staff, the Prince and Princess of Wales enjoy greater privacy, which Larcombe explained was a priority for William, who prefers to have his children close by. At Kensington Palace, such privacy was harder to achieve, given the public access to areas near their property. By moving to Windsor, the family avoids the scrutiny of tourists and onlookers.
Katie Nicholl, speaking with OK, noted the family’s happiness with their new home. Living within Windsor Home Park provides them with the seclusion they value, allowing them to come and go freely without being observed—a major advantage over their former residence.
Although their peaceful life at Adelaide Cottage faced a recent disruption when masked burglars broke into a nearby farm on the Windsor Castle estate, stealing vehicles and damaging a gate the family uses, they continue to thrive in their new surroundings. Nicholl emphasized that despite its modest size, the property meets all their needs perfectly.
