William and Kate's New Home Sparks Rent Debate Within the Royal Family

As Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his former spouse, Sarah Ferguson, prepare to relocate from their royal residence, attention has shifted to another family: the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton settled into Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park alongside their three children in October 2025, according to a House of Commons briefing published in November 2025. The couple share Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

The briefing states, “Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales possess a 20-year, un transferable agreement with The Crown Estate for Forest Lodge, beginning on 5 July 2025. As of the time of this document, the unedited version of the agreement has not yet been released by the Land Registry. This property is located within the Windsor Estate and therefore Section 5 of the Act is applicable.”

Many have questioned whether the royals are obligated to pay rent, particularly following the public disclosure of Andrew’s own arrangement. According to The Times, which obtained a copy of Andrew’s agreement, the royal has not paid any sum of money to reside in his home for two decades.

Prince William Gives Brief Look Inside New Home With Kate Middleton

Continue scrolling to learn more about William and Kate’s own living arrangements.

Where Prince William and Kate Middleton Live

The Prince and Princess of Wales initiated plans to move to Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park in July 2025 and officially moved into the property in October 2025. This news was shared through a House of Commons briefing released in November 2025. The family has a 20-year lease on the home, leading some to speculate they may choose to make it their primary residence even after William ascends to the throne.

The briefing reads, “Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales hold a 20-year non-assignable lease with The Crown Estate for Forest Lodge, commencing 5 July 2025. At the time of writing, the redacted version of the lease has not yet been published by the Land Registry. This property sits within the Windsor Estate and therefore Section 5 of the Act applies.”

The briefing also notes the home was previously a “grace and favour” residence, meaning occupants were permitted to live in the home at the discretion of the king or queen. William and Kate approached The Crown Estate regarding moving into the home, the document also indicates, and “the Commissioners were asked to consider entering into a lease of the Property to TRH The Prince and Princess of Wales for use as their primary private residence.”

Do Prince William and Kate Middleton Pay Rent?

According to People, the Prince and Princess of Wales pay “standard market rent” for the home. The couple also funded “minor improvements” to the property before moving in, which they covered themselves. The precise amount of rent has not been revealed.

Prince William and Kate Middleton's Move Forces 2 Families to Vacate Homes

Prince William and Kate Middleton Formerly Lived in Adelaide Cottage

The family previously resided in Adelaide Cottage for three years. They moved into the home shortly before the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. “The reality is they are somewhat restricted in what they can do in London,” a source close to the family previously told The Sunday Times regarding their decision to live at Adelaide Cottage. “The children are unable to go into the park and play football with friends. Their plan is to remain there for the next 10 to 15 years and then move to Anmer, which holds a special significance for them.”