When Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales decided to move from London to Windsor in 2022, many Royal fans assumed it was primarily for the sake of their children, as they wanted to be closer to Lambrook School, the private school attended by Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
However, this was not the only reason for his move to the four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage, as a Royal expert recently revealed that the late Queen Elizabeth also had a significant influence on the decision.
In his latest biography, ‘Catherine, Princess of Wales’, royal commentator Robert Jobson revealed that William, 42, was keen to move to be closer to his grandmother following the devastating loss of her husband. Prince Philip in April 2021.
Quoting an aide, Jobson said William “knew his time with his grandmother was precious and he is delighted that they, as a couple, have made this decision.”
Jobson further notes, “Catherine understood that for William, as a future king, it was important that he be geographically closer to the late queen in her final months, when he was required to support both her and her father. This made a real difference. They were in regular contact, seeing each other in person and speaking on the phone several times a week, bringing them even closer together.”
Following the heartbreaking loss of Prince Philip, which ended the Queen’s 73-year marriage, Her Majesty has understandably found it difficult to cope. However, she has reportedly found solace in visits and phone calls from her beloved grandson, Prince Williamaccording to PEOPLE.
Prince William and his family, residing at Adelaide Cottage, were conveniently located just a 30-minute walk or ten-minute drive from the Queen’s residence in Windsor Castle.
Additionally, the couple was also closer to Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middletonwho live just a 45-minute drive away in Bucklebury, promoting better connectivity with the whole family, reports the mirror.
The cottage proved to be an ideal home for the Wales family as it underwent significant renovations in 2015, meaning no additional security measures or upgrades were required before they could move in.
The cottage, originally built in 1831 for William IV’s wife, Queen Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen, has housed several notable residents over the years, including Queen Victoria and Group Captain Peter Townsend, Princess Margaret’s former lover.
Unlike other royal residences, Adelaide Cottage does not house any members of staff. Some staff, such as nanny Maria Borrallo, who has been employed by William and Kate since Prince George was a baby, live in separate accommodation nearby and commute daily.