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Prince William and Kate Middleton Bid Farewell to Kensington Palace

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Prince William and Kate Middleton Bid Farewell to Kensington Palace

As Queen Elizabeth transitions out of Buckingham Palace, a significant change is also unfolding for Prince William and Kate Middleton.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are leaving their long-standing residence at Kensington Palace and moving into Adelaide Cottage, located in the picturesque Windsor Home Park Estate.

This charming property is just a short ten-minute stroll from the Queen’s new primary residence at Windsor Castle.

The decision to relocate comes as Buckingham Palace undergoes extensive renovations, prompting the Queen to make Windsor Castle her main address for the foreseeable future.

For William and Kate, this move marks a fresh chapter, especially as they settle into a home that aligns with their family life alongside their three young children: George, eight, Charlotte, seven, and Louis, four.

Adelaide Cottage was actually the couple’s top pick when they were searching for a permanent home.

They considered Frogmore House, which has been associated with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, but ultimately decided against it due to concerns over potential renovation costs.

Sources indicate that making Adelaide Cottage work was seen as the most viable option amidst various challenges presented by other properties.

Nestled within the stunning Royal Estate, Adelaide Cottage consists of both the cottage itself and the adjoining Adelaide Lodge.

It’s widely regarded as one of the most aesthetically pleasing residences within the royal grounds.

With four bedrooms, this property is classified as a grace-and-favor home, meaning it can be allocated at the Queen’s discretion.

Historically, Adelaide Cottage has its own intriguing past.

One of its notable former residents was Peter Townsend, King George VI’s equerry, whose high-profile romance with Princess Margaret captured public attention in the mid-20th century.

Originally constructed in 1831 for Queen Adelaide, the property is surrounded by the lush greenery of a 655-acre private park, creating a serene environment for the royal family.

The architecture of Adelaide Cottage is equally captivating.

It features a red-brick double-fronted design with striking chimney stacks and pitched dormer windows.

The original cottage retains its classic porch, while the manicured gardens have remained largely untouched for nearly two centuries.

Recent additions include a gravel driveway and a gatehouse to accommodate security needs.

Aletheia FitzAlan Howard, a close friend of the young Princess Elizabeth and her sister Margaret, fondly reminisced about the beauty of Adelaide Cottage in her diaries.

She described it as a charming little world, capturing the essence of Windsor Castle and its enchanting surroundings.

The house was designed by architect Geoffrey Wyeville and has been praised for its elegant simplicity.

Inside, it boasts two stately rooms, a retiring room for the Queen, and a servants’ quarters, all furnished with pieces from the former Royal Lodge.

Before their move to Adelaide Cottage, Prince William and Kate also enjoyed living at Anmer Hall in Norfolk, in addition to their time at Kensington Palace.

This latest transition signifies not only a change in residence but an opportunity for the family to embrace a more grounded lifestyle while remaining close to the heart of royal duties.

As they prepare to settle into their new home, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are undoubtedly looking forward to creating lasting memories in this beautiful setting, all while continuing to fulfill their royal responsibilities.

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