After news broke this week that the Prince and Princess of Wales plan to break major royal tradition as part of their upcoming relocation to Windsor, the reason behind the decision has finally been revealed.
For anyone out of the loop with the couple's change of circumstances, in the coming months, Prince William and Kate Middleton will move from their four-bedroom property, named Adelaide Cottage, to an eight-bedroom mansion known as Forest Lodge.
The change-up comes less than three years after the couple - along with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - swapped the hustle and bustle of Kensington Palace, London for a quieter life in the country.
Not only does Forest Lodge - a 328-year-old red brick property - still boast views across both the capital and Berkshire, but it's also situated in the less populated area of the 4,800-acre estate.
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Apparently, William and Kate, both 43, plan to turn the Grade-II listed building into their family's 'forever home', and hope to remain in Windsor throughout their reign.
That's right - the Wales' are reportedly ditching the prospect of ever living in Buckingham Palace, marking the first occasion where the King and Queen will be based outside of a royal residence.
A royal insider spoke to the Daily Mail this week, confirming the speculation surrounding the Wales' plans, and explaining: "This is for the long term and it's their intention to stay in Forest Lodge once he becomes king."
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But what exactly is so wrong with Buckingham Palace that William and Kate have seemingly turned their noses up at it?
Well, according to another source, it's the lack of freedom that the palace provides.
"They want to continue to do the school run, even if they are king and queen," the third insider explained.
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Another source close to the couple opened up to the BBC on a secondary reason for the move, alluding to unhappy memories the family made during their time at Adelaide Cottage.
"Windsor has become their home," the insider explained. "However, over the last few years while they have lived at Adelaide Cottage there have been some really difficult times."
Whilst said source opted not to go into detail the downhearted occasions they're referencing, they could well be describing the death of William's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, as well as several other family illnesses.
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As well as his father, King Charles III, being diagnosed with an undisclosed strain of cancer last year, Kate herself broke the news that she'd been dealt a similar diagnosis following abdominal surgery.
Despite the mother-of-three revealing earlier this year that her cancer is in remission, William previously described 2024 as the 'hardest year of my life'.
Touching again on their decision, the source explained: "Moving gives them an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter; an opportunity to leave some of the more unhappy memories behind.
"This is a move for the long-term."
Topics: Kate Middleton, Royal Family, Prince William, UK News
Rhianna Benson