Prince William won’t be zipping around on his e-scooter on the grounds of his home any longer.
The Prince and Catherine, Princess of Wales, recently moved into Forest Lodge, a Grade II-listed property set within the 4,800-acre Windsor Great Park. At the time, it was said to be their 'forever home'; however, staying will mean giving up one of his newfound favorite hobbies.
While e-scooters were permitted at his former home, the cozier Adelaide Cottage (four miles away on the separate Windsor Castle Estate), Forest Lodge has different rules. According to reports, no motorized transport is allowed for safety and traffic management reasons, including e-scooters.
William was often seen riding his 10mph scooter across the 655-acre estate and on the route to the castle; however, the park’s regulations are now clear: 'Aside from cyclists, the roads are reserved for residents and Estate workers.'
For the future King, it marks a shift in how he can move around the historic royal residence, as documented when he met actor Eugene Levy last year.
'This is not what I was expecting. This is your mode of transportation?' Eugene asked William, upon his arrival at their meeting, about his e-scooter. 'It is round here [on the grounds].’ William responds. ‘It gets around quite nicely around here. It’s quite fun.’
Expanding on why he enjoys them, William added: 'We come and use the castle for work and for meetings, and to see people. I’m always late, so I thought this was the way to keep my meetings on time.'
However, despite the restriction, William doesn't need to give up his scooter entirely. Sources indicate that residents of Windsor Great Park are still permitted to use e-scooters on roads close to their homes.
He will, however, need to resort to foot in some areas around his home. The Long Walk, a 2.5-mile tree-lined avenue leading to Windsor Castle, remains strictly off-limits. Bikes, scooters, rollerblades, and skateboards are all prohibited.
When you consider the estate's rich history, however, these regulations are not entirely surprising.
Originally known as Holly Grove, the house was built between 1772 and 1782 by architect Thomas Sandby. It is his most significant surviving work, with a distinctive nine-bay façade and flanking wings that remain largely unchanged today.
The grounds include a tennis court (said to be favored by Catherine and Charlotte, who enjoy the sport), a pond, a small lake, and a paddock. Historical records also note a garden designed by landscape artist Humphry Repton, although its current existence remains uncertain.
We have had glimpses of Prince William and Princess Catherine’s home since they moved last August. And, while we will miss seeing new footage of the Prince on his scooter doing the rounds on social media, we understand it's a price worth paying to live in such a beautiful home. You can also learn more about their official residence, Kensington Palace, and its stunning gardens in the book below.
In this beautifully illustrated volume, Tracy Borman recounts the captivating history of Kensington, tracing its evolution from a private residence to a modern royal palace. She explores not only the architectural and garden developments but also the rich dramas and intrigues of court life
