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Kate Middleton and Prince William’s current residence in Berkshire, Adelaide Cottage, is considered a significant downsize compared to their previous home. The royal couple, along with their three children, relocated to this four-bedroom property situated near St George’s Chapel within the Windsor Great Park last summer.
The Wales family’s decision to move was driven by a desire to provide their children with greater privacy and proximity to Kate’s family. Additionally, the relocation brought them closer to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who spent her final years at Windsor Castle.
Prior to this move, the family resided in the spacious Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace. Royal experts have described the transition to the more modest Adelaide Cottage as an unprecedented step for the royal family. Roberta Fiorito and Rachel Bowie, hosts of the “Royally Obsessed” podcast, have discussed this significant relocation in their show.
The hosts discussed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s reported move to Adelaide Cottage, a relatively modest four-bedroom property on the grounds of Windsor Castle. They described it as a significant downsize from their previous accommodations and an unprecedented choice for members of the royal family.
The hosts also mentioned that the move has sparked controversy and criticism. They cited royal expert Robert Jobson’s claim that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, had spent £12 million renovating their Kensington Palace apartment with the expectation of residing there long-term. The implication is that Harry and Meghan’s decision to relocate has raised questions about the expenditure on the Cambridge residence.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have multiple residences at their disposal, including Anmer Hall in Norfolk, where they typically spend the Christmas period. However, there have been concerns raised about the cost to taxpayers of maintaining three fully furnished homes for the royal couple.
While Princess Kate has only provided a brief glimpse into their Windsor home, Adelaide Cottage, through a video addressing addiction struggles, interior designer Deepa Mehta-Sagar analyzed the visible decor. She noted that the traditional sofa with clean lines lends a regal look, while the splash of red and floral cushions add warmth, creating a formal yet inviting space ideal for conducting interviews.
This insight sheds light on the royal couple’s living arrangements and the public’s interest in understanding the expenses associated with maintaining multiple residences for the monarchy.
The cottage in question has a rich historical background. Originally built in the 17th century as a keepers’ cottage, it later gained prominence as the residence of Princess Margaret’s lover, Peter Townsend. However, before that, in the 19th century, King William IV commissioned its conversion into a summer house for his wife, Princess Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen.
According to experts, this history aligns with Prince William and Kate’s reported desire to provide their children with a normal upbringing. The cottage offers a sense of privacy, typical of suburban living. Notably, the estate has retained its original porch, and the manicured gardens have maintained their character for nearly 200 years.
Additional exterior features include a gravel driveway, a red-brick outbuilding, and a gatehouse, which serves as a discreet security detail, reflecting the royals’ preference for privacy and normalcy.
The four-bedroom residence is said to embrace traditional furnishings, notably a nautical-inspired theme in the main bedroom, repurposed from a 19th-century royal yacht, lending an iconic quality to the decor. Additionally, the home is reported to feature a neutral color palette accented with royal blue, deep red, and hints of gold, creating an elegant and calming atmosphere well-suited for a family with young children. Despite being smaller in comparison to the family’s other two homes, this historic residence reflects a commitment to raising the children in a relatively ordinary environment while still preserving their connection to the royal heritage.
