Prince William and Kate Middleton's plan to relocate to Forest Lodge, a secluded eight-bedroom residence deep within Windsor Great Park, has stirred a debate inside royal circles over whether the future king risks becoming what one aide described as a "part-time monarch."
The Prince and Princess of Wales, both 43, are preparing to make the 19th-century estate their permanent base later this year, marking a significant retreat from public life and the palace spotlight. Royal insiders told RadarOnline that the decision follows the Princess of Wales's recovery from a recent cancer scare and reflects her determination to live "more simply, surrounded by nature, and focus on her family and her health." A royal source added: "She believes fresh air, peace, and time outdoors are key to staying strong. Forest Lodge gives her that space - but it also means William will have to make choices about how much time he spends in London versus Windsor."
The couple's move, described by friends as part of a long-term effort to raise Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis "away from the pressures of palace life," has drawn sharp reactions within the monarchy. One senior aide warned, "People are worried that by putting family life and privacy first, William could start to lose touch with the public. The late Queen always believed visibility was essential - and some think he's pulling back more than he should."
Critics also point to the location's isolation. Royal commentators note that Forest Lodge lies "about as isolated as you can get," outside Windsor Castle's secure perimeter, posing logistical challenges for royal duties. Some palace officials have branded the move "deeply unsettling," fearing a monarch "hiding away in Windsor could alienate his subjects."
Princess Anne, 75, has reportedly voiced her disapproval of her nephew's approach. "Anne thinks being seen is crucial," said a family source. "She's never really understood William's wish to scale back his engagements. In her view, the role is the role - you turn up and do it, whatever it takes."
For William, the criticism revives long-standing claims about his cautious work pace. In earlier years, tabloids labeled him "Work-Shy Wills," and reports circulated last spring that members of King Charles's staff jokingly referred to him as the "10am to 4pm prince." During a visit to Singapore last November, William defended his strategy, saying: "You have to remain focused - if you spread yourself too thin, you just can't manage it, and you won't deliver the impact or the change that you really want to happen."
Meanwhile, Kate's vision for Forest Lodge centers on sustainability and simplicity. A source close to the couple said the property offers "space, privacy, and the chance to live much more sustainably," adding that the Princess wanted a home that "feels grounded" and "not a palace." Residents near Windsor said there's "a lot happening up there," with upgraded security and cottages converted into housing for protection officers.
Despite the concerns, friends insist the couple's motivation remains rooted in family and health. "Kate wants a peaceful, healthy life, and William is determined to make that happen," said one confidante. "But to do that, he'll have to find a balance between being the private husband he wants to be and the public king he's expected to become."
