Prince William and Kate Middleton install major security measures during new home renovation
Prince William and Kate Middleton have reportedly put a number of security measures in place during their new home renovation.
Last month, royal fans were treated to a major update as it was revealed that the Prince and Princess of Wales - along with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - are moving homes later this year from Adelaide Cottage to a brand-new property after living in their previous abode since 2022.
The upcoming move to the new house marked a royal family first as it means that William and Kate will be the first monarchs not to live in a palace or castle when the future king does eventually succeed his father, King Charles III.
A royal source previously revealed the reason behind the relocation, explaining that after a challenging 18 months that have seen Kate deal with a cancer diagnosis and treatment, the family of five have now decided to change things up.
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They told the BBC: "Windsor has become their home. However, over the last few years, while they have lived at Adelaide Cottage, there have been some really difficult times.
"Moving gives them an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter."
The source added: "It's an opportunity to leave some of the more unhappy memories behind."
The new house is the eight-bedroom Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, a property which they are keen on being their 'forever home', which means it will be where they all plan to live as a family when the two parents become King and Queen.
The 328-year-old lodge sits in a quiet part of the 4,800-acre estate and offers views over both Berkshire and London - the former of which Kate will no doubt be happy about, given that she's previously described nature as her 'sanctuary'.
Similar to their set-up at their four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage, it is reportedly believed that the family will not have any live-in staff as they want to be able to create as private a family home as possible.
Renovations at the Grade II-listed house have already begun and the move could come about as soon as Christmas, with the family said to be looking forward to creating many happy memories in their new home, as per the BBC.
However, before Will and Kate make the upheaval, they are keen on making it safe for family life.
According to a new report in the Mirror, they are installing a new set of privacy measures to do so.
The outlet, which has received exclusive pictures of the 'extensive works' that are in 'full swing', states that the couple are having new trees and hedgerows planted, as well as having new fences built to shield them from public view.
"Scaffolding can also be seen to the left of the house, with painters and decorators understood to be sprucing up some of the rooms," the report adds.
The Mirror also states that redacted planning applications were lodged with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council a few months back in June and show permission was granted in July for minor internal and external alterations to the property.
"These include new windows and doors, as well as renovated ceilings and floors. Meanwhile, Kate has reportedly been spotted picking out new furniture for the home - thought to include a fabulous 24-seater dining table," the outlet continued.
William and Kate will be fronting the cost of renovations privately, rather than taking money from the Sovereign Grant, to avoid any extra cost to the taxpayer.
It is also understood that they will pay the market rent for their new home.
"By ordinary standards, it is, of course, pretty grand. With eight bedrooms, beautiful gardens, and a tennis court, it would probably be worth around £16million on the open market," former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond explained.
"It needs a bit of renovation, but it’s reported that, to their credit, the prince and princess intend to fund any work themselves. Lessons have clearly been learned from Harry and Meghan‘s extravagant, taxpayer-funded refurbishment of the home they so briefly occupied, Frogmore Cottage - although, to be fair, after leaving the UK, they finally paid the money back."
Topics: Kate Middleton, Prince William, Royal Family, UK News, Home
Rhiannon Ingle