Nestled within the sprawling 655-acre Windsor estate, Adelaide Cottage has become a cherished home for the royal family since their move from London in 2022.
Originally built for Queen Adelaide, this Grade II listed cottage offers a refreshing contrast to the grandeur of Kensington Palace, providing a serene and nature-filled upbringing for Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, and their older brother, Prince George.
Unlike the opulence of Kensington Palace, which boasts 20 lavish rooms across four stories, complete with underfloor heating and a panic room, Adelaide Cottage embraces simplicity.
With only four bedrooms, it may seem modest by royal standards, but for Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, it has transformed into a beloved family sanctuary.
Here, they find joy and tranquility, away from the public eye.
Located in Windsor Home Park, the cottage ensures the family enjoys complete privacy.
They can come and go freely without the watchful gaze of onlookers, making the transition from Kensington Palace worthwhile in every sense.
While Kensington remains the official residence for the Prince and Princess of Wales, their spacious apartment there is rarely used, as they prefer the comfort of their country retreat.
Earlier this year, Catherine reportedly spent part of her recovery after surgery at their Windsor home.
However, the couple has since shifted their household to Amnier Hall, which offers more space.
Interestingly, any renovations to Adelaide Cottage would typically be funded by British taxpayers, but William is keenly aware of public scrutiny regarding royal expenditures and is exploring alternative funding options.
Plans are in motion to restore a neglected red brick annex adjacent to the cottage.
This project aims to create a retreat for the future Queen and additional accommodation for the family’s staff.
Currently, the annex stands uninhabitable, requiring significant renovations before it can serve its intended purpose.
Discussions are ongoing about the best timing for this renovation, reflecting William’s sensitivity to public sentiment regarding royal spending.
Originally constructed in 1831 for the wife of King William IV, Adelaide Cottage underwent a complete renovation by William and Catherine in 2015.
Rumor has it that the restoration included whimsical touches like gilded dolphins adorning the master bedroom walls.
This renovation coincided with reports of Catherine’s positive recovery following successful chemotherapy treatments, bringing a sense of joy and stability to the family.
The couple treasures their time together at Adelaide Cottage, often accompanied by their beloved cocker spaniel, Orla.
Although they maintain a level of privacy, glimpses into their family life occasionally surface.
Recently, during a visit to Dewey College in Cornwall, William shared a sweet tidbit about their bedtime routine, revealing that Orla often snuggles up with them in bed.
With its charming historic features, including a glacier Egyptian marble fireplace and a ceiling decorated with dolphins, Adelaide Cottage stands in stark contrast to their previous lavish lifestyle in London.
The spacious five reception rooms and numerous bedrooms of Kensington Palace are now a distant memory, replaced by the cozy atmosphere of their Windsor retreat.
In addition to their residence in Windsor, William and Catherine still own Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace, where they lived before embracing country life.
This opulent dwelling features four stories with 20 rooms, including multiple reception areas and nurseries for their children.
They also maintain Amnier Hall, their rural estate in Norfolk, further illustrating their diverse living arrangements.
As the royal family continues to navigate public life, their home at Adelaide Cottage symbolizes a return to simplicity and intimacy.
It’s a place where they can bond as a family, away from the pressures of royal duties, while enjoying the beauty of nature that surrounds them.