Welp, Kate Middleton and Prince William are potentially moving to yet another new home after just two years spent in Adelaide Cottage. Despite rumors that they might relocate to The Royal Lodge, the pair apparently have their eye on Fort Belvedere. Which is less of a “fort” and more of a castle—complete with its own pool, multiple extra cottages, and a ton of interesting history. Here’s everything we know about the stately home, and why King Charles is “fuming” about William and Kate’s plans to move in.
Fort Belvedere Is a Gothic Revival Mansion
The historic 18th century home (which means “beautiful view” in Italian) sits on 59 acres and has a slew of amenities—including (per the Daily Mail) a tennis court, a rose garden, a greenhouse, multiple lakes, paddocks, and stables. It used to be called “Shrubs Hill Tower” due to being located in Shrubs Hill within Great Windsor Park, and was originally a folly (a decorative building) when built in 1750 before being reconstructed into a home in the early 1800s.
Here’s a glimpse at the inside!
Queen Victoria Used It as a Tea House
Because naturally one needs an entire mini castle to take tea in! Anyway, after Victoria was done with it, the fort opened to the public—before going private again in 1910 when it was used by Sir Malcolm Murray as a “grace and favor residence” (the term for homes owned by the monarch and lent to their friends rent-free).
Edward VIII Lived There
Fort Belvedere is most famous for being the home of Edward VIII before he abdicated the throne—changing the course of history not to mention the entire line of succession. He’s the one who made the home much fancier, adding a swimming pool and tennis courts, and doing other major renovations to the grounds and building. He was forced to give up the home post-abdication despite being enormously attached to it.
After Edward left England (his abdication papers were literally signed at Fort Belvedere in 1936), the mansion was leased to—and renovated by—various royal-adjacent families.
It Was Used as a Filming Location
Aptly, for a show called Edward & Mrs. Simpson, about Edward and Wallis Simpson.
William and Kate’s Staff Could Live With Them
Well, adjacent to them. Apparently Fort Belvedere has three cottages on property, which Royal expert Jennie Bond tells The Mirror “could be useful for staff or protection officers.”
Princess Charlotte Is One of the Main Reasons They’re Moving
According to a Daily Mail source, William and Kate “feel they have outgrown Adelaide Cottage and need somewhere more substantial. This is the perfect new home for them. It has a swimming pool and tennis court, and Charlotte loves playing tennis.”
Meanwhile, Bond says “Whatever they decide, William and Catherine will have their children’s happiness at heart. For them, preserving a relaxed, cosy family life – as close to some sort of normality as possible given their status—is a top priority.”
King Charles Is Not Thrilled About the Move
According to Rob Shutter’s #shutterscoop (via Yahoo!), King Charles is “fuming” over the cost of William and Kate moving to Fort Belvedere. Per a palace source, “It’ll take millions to renovate. Charles sees it as an unnecessary extravagance.”
Hmmm, guess we’ll see what happens!
