EXCLUSIVE: Heartbreaking Single Reason for Kate Middleton's Huge House Move Revealed — 'She Is Desperate for a View and Peace'
Kate Middleton moved homes as she was desperate for peace and a calming view.
Sept. 9 2025, Published 10:46 a.m. ET
Kate Middleton's recovery from cancer treatment has prompted a major shift in the life of the Princess of Wales – with friends telling RadarOnline.com her desire for peace, nature and open views is the driving force behind her family's move to Forest Lodge.
The 43-year-old royal and her husband Prince William, also 43, are leaving Adelaide Cottage, their home since 2019, for the eight-bedroom Georgian mansion on the Windsor estate later this year.
Princess Seeks Peace and Nature
The Princess of Wales left Adelaide Cottage after her recovery.
The couple and their children – Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10 and Prince Louis, 7 – will enjoy sweeping 360-degree views across Great Windsor Park.
Unlike past monarchs, William is expected to keep his family at Forest Lodge even when he becomes king, rejecting Buckingham Palace as a permanent residence.
"Kate feels that her recovery has given her a new perspective," a source close to the couple told us.
"She wants nature, peace and tranquility around her. She believes being surrounded by beauty and stillness will help keep her strong and prevent her cancer from returning. The views from Forest Lodge are exactly what she's been yearning for."
Windsor Estate Offers Space and Privacy
Kate Middleton chose Forest Lodge as her family's new home.
The Waleses' new home is a red-brick, Grade II-listed property set between Cranbourne Park and Russell's Plantation, offering woodland, lakes and open parkland right outside the family's windows.
The grounds also include a private garden that looks directly into the forest. The estate is only minutes from Lambrook School, cutting Kate and William's children's commute.
A longtime family friend added: "Adelaide Cottage was cozy, but Kate now wants space to breathe. After months of treatment and uncertainty, she sees the new home as a sanctuary where she can recover and the children can grow without constant intrusion."
Despite the upgrade, the Waleses will continue their practice of not housing live-in staff. Instead, employees will occupy cottages surrounding the estate, keeping family life private.
Kate & William Break Royal Tradition
Prince William supported Kate's wish for peace and nature.
A source said the move represents a deliberate break with tradition.
"Moving to Forest Lodge gives the family much more room and is already being seen as their permanent base, rather than raising the children within the confines of a palace," they added.
"They clearly enjoy life in Windsor, the children are happy at Lambrook, and they'll still be near Windsor Castle for official duties."
Forest Lodge's location also places the Wales family just an eight-minute drive from cancer-stricken King Charles at Windsor Castle.
Palace aides say the proximity allows both continuity and privacy. Yet those close to Kate insist her focus is personal rather than institutional.
Modern Family Life Over Formality
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Palace aides confirmed the move broke with royal tradition.
The source stressed: "For Kate, this is about health and healing.
"She's not thinking of grandeur or tradition. She wants sunlight, gardens and views that make her feel at peace. That's the single most important factor in this move.
"She is also convinced peace and tranquility help stop the danger of any cancer returning or getting worse."
When William becomes king, the decision not to relocate to Buckingham Palace will be a symbolic shift.
Royal watchers say it reflects his and Kate's preference for modern family life over formality. For Kate, however, the reasoning is simpler.
As the source explained: "She wants her forever home to be surrounded by beauty, because after what she's been through, peace and views mean everything."
