Why Prince William will never call Buckingham Palace home

Buckingham Palace has stood as the ultimate royal address for centuries, the very heart of the monarchy. But Prince William is charting his own course, one that means he will never live within its famous walls.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are preparing to leave Adelaide Cottage behind for Forest Lodge nestled deep within Great Windsor Park. 

Surrounded by sweeping parkland, bordered by Cranbourne Park and Russell’s Plantation, and boasting 360-degree views of the countryside, it is more than just a home and it is a statement.

By branding Forest Lodge their “forever home,” William and Kate are redefining royal tradition. Where previous monarchs sought grandeur at Buckingham Palace, William is choosing privacy, family life, and a connection with nature. 

The red-brick, Grade II-listed property allows their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis to grow up in a setting where gardens meet woodland and royal life feels refreshingly grounded.

The decision carries symbolic weight. William’s choice reflects a modern approach to kingship, one that prioritizes stability for his family while quietly signaling a new vision of monarchy less tied to rigid tradition, and more rooted in values of balance, privacy, and accessibility.

By choosing Forest Lodge as his permanent residence, the future King is rewriting the royal playbook.