Here’s a royal twist you might not expect: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis will never inherit their family’s 'forever home,' Forest Lodge. While it’s common for parents to pass down property to their children, Prince William and Princess Kate’s situation is anything but ordinary. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: the reason isn’t just about royal tradition—it’s about ownership, or rather, the lack thereof. Forest Lodge, the eight-bedroom residence where the family now lives, isn’t actually theirs to own. Instead, it’s part of the Crown Estate, meaning it belongs to the monarchy and is simply leased to them. And this is the part most people miss: even though it’s their home, it’s not their asset.
The lease agreement reportedly requires William and Kate to pay a 'market rate' for the property, a stark contrast to the recent controversy surrounding Prince Andrew’s 'peppercorn rent' at Royal Lodge. This raises a thought-provoking question: Should royal family members pay full market rent for properties they don’t own, or does their role justify special arrangements? Let’s dive deeper.
Adding to the complexity, William and Kate have personally funded extensive renovations to Forest Lodge, both inside and out. Planning applications filed in June detailed minor external and internal alterations, showcasing their commitment to making the house a home. But here’s the catch: despite their investment, the property remains firmly in the Crown’s hands. This begs another question: If they’re paying rent and covering renovations, why isn’t there a path to ownership?
The family’s move to Forest Lodge marks a fresh start after leaving behind Adelaide Cottage, just a few miles away. Their decision to stay in Windsor isn’t just about convenience—it’s about quality of life. Windsor has been named the UK’s top-ranked place in the 2025 Vitality Index, boasting high standards in health, economy, and living conditions. But there’s a personal angle too: the children are settled at Lambrook School nearby, and the family remains close to Windsor Castle for royal duties. As HELLO!’s Online Royal Correspondent, Danielle Stacey, explains, 'Forest Lodge allows the family more space and has already been viewed as their 'forever home,' rather than raising their children within palace walls.'
While Forest Lodge won’t be part of their inheritance, Prince George is set to inherit something far grander: the Duchy of Cornwall. This vast portfolio includes farms, holiday lets, retail parks, offices, heritage sites, and large-scale housing developments. Projects like Poundbury in Dorset and Nansledan in Cornwall showcase the Duchy’s role as both landowner and developer, creating entire communities from the ground up. As the Duke of Cornwall, William currently oversees this impressive collection, making him Britain’s largest private landowner. When the time comes, Prince George will step into this role, continuing a legacy that spans centuries.
So, while Forest Lodge may not be theirs to keep, the royal children’s future is anything but ordinary. What do you think? Is it fair that Forest Lodge remains part of the Crown Estate, or should there be a pathway to ownership for the royal family? Share your thoughts in the comments!
