The Prince and Princess of Wales are paying “open market rent” for their new home, Forest Lodge, on the Windsor Park Estate. Prince William and Princess Catherine moved into the property with their three children during the October half term, with the couple having signed a lease on the Grade II-listed mansion in July.
The property, which is just a short drive from their former Adelaide Cottage home, is believed to be a fresh start for the family of five, who intend to make it their forever home. The Crown Estate has confirmed that the couple hold a “a 20-year non-assignable lease with The Crown Estate for Forest Lodge, commencing 5 July 2025” and have “open market rent”.
This is different to the peppercorn rent some other royals pay on their Crown Estate properties, including Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Royal Lodge – a home he will soon vacate.
The Crown Estate has said that negotiation about the market terms for Forest Lodge were held and agreed with Prince William.
Independent valuers from Hamptons and Savills estate agents were reportedly appointed to value the property, with William and Kate receiving independent legal and property advice. This is something the Crown Estate also did.
The Crown Estate said: “The lease for the Property was concluded on a 20-year Common Law Tenancy at an open market rent subject to standard Landlord & Tenant repairing obligations.
“The rent was assessed by Savills and Hamptons acting on behalf of the Crown Estate. Knight Frank acted for TRH’s The Prince and Princess of Wales.”
The couple and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are believed to be well-settled in their new home.
It is believed the property underwent a refurbishment inside and outside, which was paid for by William and Kate themselves.
Prince William is reportedly set to have the home as his primary residence forever, even when he is King.