LONDON — Prince William and his family are relocating to a new residence on the royal Windsor estate, raising concerns about the future of Buckingham Palace as the official London home of the monarchy. The family is expected to move into Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom mansion built in the late 18th century. This new home is larger than their current four-bedroom residence on the estate, located west of London.

William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, reportedly view Forest Lodge as their “forever home,” according to a source cited by a newspaper. A spokesperson for Kensington Palace confirmed that “the Wales family will move house later this year,” but did not provide additional details. The couple is financing the renovations, the move, and the rent themselves, as they seek a “fresh start” following Catherine’s recent cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Their three children, George, 12, Charlotte, 10, and Louis, 7, all attend a nearby school. However, the family's decision to establish permanent roots in Windsor has led to speculation about Buckingham Palace's future. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams expressed concern, stating, “It would be a disaster if Buckingham Palace were sidelined. It is an iconic building, comparable only to the White House and known worldwide.”

Buckingham Palace has served as the residence for British monarchs since 1837. Situated in central London, it is close to Parliament and Number 10 Downing Street. The palace hosts numerous royal events, including summer garden parties and state banquets, and parts of the 755-room building are open to the public during the summer months.

Currently, King Charles III, 76, does not reside at Buckingham Palace due to a significant renovation project costing approximately $429 million. This extensive work, which prompted the late Queen Elizabeth II to relocate to Windsor Castle before her death in 2022, is not expected to be completed until 2027. Although Charles plans to make Buckingham Palace his London base after the renovations, he is reported to prefer living at Clarence House, where he has resided since 2003.

Fitzwilliams noted, “It is the intention of King Charles and Queen Camilla to do so (move to Buckingham Palace) although given that he is battling cancer, this may well not happen.” Like Charles, William is interested in making Buckingham Palace more accessible to tourists and expanding royal events there.

The royal family has access to several properties, both privately owned and Crown properties. The late Queen favored Windsor Castle and Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where she spent summers. Christmases were traditionally held at Sandringham House in eastern England. Charles has focused on Highgrove House in western England, where he has cultivated the gardens, and he also stays at Birkhall on the Balmoral estate when in Scotland.

William and Catherine have multiple residences, including Anmer Hall on the Sandringham estate and Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace in London. Fitzwilliams cautioned that there is a risk the monarchy could be perceived as having too many homes. He added that those who criticize the monarchy's expenses should recognize that the Buckingham Palace renovation is on schedule and within budget.

Despite the changes, Fitzwilliams emphasized that Buckingham Palace must remain central to the monarchy. “It absolutely must remain the center of the monarchy, whether or not William and Catherine actually live in it,” he stated. Columnist Amanda Platell raised concerns about the implications of a less visible future king not residing at Buckingham Palace. A recent poll indicated that only 35 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds support maintaining the monarchy, compared to broader support among the general population. Platell warned, “I fear a future part-time king hiding away in Forest Lodge… could result in an even greater collapse of support among his subjects.”