A Royal Expert Says Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Plans for a Downsized Monarchy Could Have a Huge Hidden Cost

TOBERMORY, SCOTLAND - APRIL 29: Prince William, Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland and Catherine, Princess of Wales, known as the Duchess of Rothesay when in Scotland arrive for a visit to a local market on April 29, 2025 in Tobermory, Scotland. The Prince and Princess of Wales are on a two-day visit to the Isles of Mull and Iona on the 29th and 30th of April to engage with rural island communities. During their time on the islands, they will connect with local residents, highlighting the value of social bonds and underscoring the importance of safeguarding and advocating for the natural environment. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage).

Earlier this month, Kensington Palace confirmed reports that the Prince and Princess of Wales plan to move their family from their current four-bedroom home, Adelaide Cottage, to the much-larger, eight-bedroom Forest Lodge later this year.

The move will keep Prince William and Kate Middleton and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, in Windsor and sources close to the couple say they plan to make Forest Lodge their "forever home"—hinting that the Wales family won't make Buckingham Palace their primary residence, even after William becomes King.