When Prince William and Kate Middleton decided to relocate from London to Windsor in 2022, many assumed it was primarily to be closer to Lambrook School, where their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, were enrolled. However, a deeper and more heartfelt reason was recently revealed by royal expert Robert Jobson in his biography “Catherine, Princess of Wales.”
According to Jobson, one of the key factors behind the move was Prince William’s desire to be nearer to his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, especially following the death of her husband, Prince Philip, in April 2021. William, understanding the significance of this loss and the emotional toll it took on the Queen, wanted to ensure he could spend more time with her during her final months. An aide quoted in Jobson’s book explained that William recognized the preciousness of the time he had left with the Queen and was pleased that he and Catherine made the decision to be geographically closer.
Catherine, fully aware of the importance of this move, supported William’s wish to be nearby, recognizing that it was crucial for him as a future king to be able to offer support not only to the Queen but also to his father, now King Charles III. The proximity allowed William and the Queen to maintain regular contact, both through in-person visits and frequent phone calls, strengthening their already close bond.
Living in Adelaide Cottage, located just a 30-minute walk or a 10-minute drive from Windsor Castle, William and his family could easily visit the Queen. This move also brought the family closer to Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, who lived just 45 minutes away in Bucklebury, fostering greater family connectivity.
Additionally, the cottage itself was an ideal choice for the family. Originally built in 1831 for Queen Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen, the property had undergone major renovations in 2015, meaning it required no additional security upgrades or extensive modifications before the Wales family could move in. The residence’s history, including past occupants like Queen Victoria and Group Captain Peter Townsend, added to its charm as a royal home.
Unlike other royal residences, Adelaide Cottage does not house staff on-site, with the Wales family enjoying a more private and intimate living arrangement. A small number of staff members, including their nanny Maria Borrallo, live nearby and commute daily, maintaining the couple’s preference for a close-knit and discreet household.