Discover the fascinating history behind the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Windsor-based home

The Prince and Princess of Wales uprooted their life in London in the summer of 2022, relocating to Windsor with their three children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, in favour of a quieter pace of life.

The privacy will no doubt come in handy as Princess Kate takes a break from the spotlight following her shock cancer diagnosis. The royal shared the news in a heartfelt video message on Friday, revealing she was in the early stages of preventative chemotherapy.

While Prince William and Princess Kate haven’t permanently said goodbye to their London residence within Kensington Palace – still using their Apartment 1A whenever they have work commitments in the capital –  their charming Windsor-based Adelaide Cottage couldn’t be further from their 20-room, four-storey apartment. As far as royal standards are concerned, the Wales family’s life in Windsor is rather modest in comparison to their former London lifestyle.

Even more so their decision to downsize to the Grade II-listed ‘cottage’ considering the family didn’t opt for the grander (and currently vacant) Windsor Castle, which wouldn’t be out of the question in view of Prince William and Prince George one day becoming King.

The Wales family relocated to Windsor ahead of the children starting at Lambrook School

Amid the move, Kate and William also announced that their former live-in nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, would no longer be living with the family after residing in Kensington Palace ever since Prince George was a baby.

Inside Prince William and Princess Kate’s life in Windsor where she’s resting amid cancer diagnosis

The property is incredibly private, making it the perfect place for Princess Kate to lie low and focus on her recovery. Kate told fans: “I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits. Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.”

Adelaide Cottage is nestled in the heart of the 655-acre Windsor estate

The Waleses’ home is located on the Windsor Home Park estate in Berkshire, which is where Windsor Castle is located, and the family can walk to the main castle in around 10 minutes.

The property has four-bedrooms and royal fans have only had one small glimpse inside the interiors when Prince William was on a virtual call.

Prince William and Princess Kate’s home has a whimsical pink exterior

Archival images and paintings of the property reveal the exterior, which is straight from a fairytale.

© Photo: Alamy

The cottage boasts vintage interiors from the 19th Century

The bedroom has been described by The Sun, and apparently it features golden dolphins and ceiling rope decorations recycled from a 19th century royal yacht, creating an interesting nautical-inspired theme.

The gardens are breathtaking

A historic painting of the garden reveals what a botanical haven it once was, showing that it used to have an outdoor fountain and circular flowerbeds. Of course, we cannot know if it has changed since, but judging by what we’ve seen of royal gardens, we bet it is pretty beautiful.

Adelaide Cottage has a rich history dating back to the 17th Century

Built in 1831 and masterminded by architect Jeffry Wyatville, parts of the property were taken from Royal Lodge, which is currently Prince Andrew’s home.

The property was a place often frequented by Queen Victoria who would take tea in the grounds, and the Royal Collection Trust website explains that her beloved pet dog Dash is even buried on the grounds.

Princess Margaret’s lover Peter Townsend previously lived in the grace-and-favour home during the 1940s with his first wife Rosemary, so he could be on hand for the King in his role as equerry.

© Getty
Princess Margaret and Peter Townsend in 1955

According to the MailOnline, Adelaide Cottage was then offered to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle by the late Queen Elizabeth II, who later opted for Frogmore Cottage.

© Getty
The property was reportedly offered to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex before they stepped away from royal life

There are several reasons behind the Waleses’ relocation to the countryside. At first, it was believed it was to be closer to Queen Elizabeth II, who sadly passed away the same month the family moved.

Another reason is to get out of the ‘goldfish bowl’ of London, giving their children more privacy and another driving factor could also be the close proximity to Kate’s mother, brother and sister now.