Prince William and Princess Kate's 'barrel vaulted' hallway at Forest Lodge is so grand


The Prince and Princess of Wales reside in Windsor with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis


William and Kate at a farm© Getty
Rachel Avery
Rachel AveryHomes Editor
1 hour ago
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The Prince and Princess of Wales have found their 'forever home' in the form of an eight-bedroom mansion, Forest Lodge, in Windsor. They moved there at the end of 2025 with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis and have every intention of staying put with a 20-year lease. While we are yet to see inside the residence since they moved in, an unearthed image from the archives shows us just how grand their hallway is.

Their entranceway contains a "barrel vaulted ceiling," as quoted from Historic England, and the image also shows this exquisite feature. In 2001, Forest Lodge underwent a glow-up to the tune of £1.5 million ($2 million). The changes retained period details, including the original stonework, elaborate plaster cornices and ceiling decoration, marble fireplaces, Venetian windows, and the hallway in question. 

The entrance hall of the Grade II-listed Forest Lodge, in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, under renovation work in 2001© PA Images via Getty Images
The entrance hall of the Grade II-listed Forest Lodge, in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, under renovation work in 2001

A second renovation

Forest Lodge, formerly known as Holly Grove in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, 2018. © Getty Images
Forest Lodge, formerly known as Holly Grove in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, 2018.

Ahead of the family moving in at the end of 2025, the residence had another round of renovations, both inside and out. Princess Kate has reportedly put her own personal stamp on the interiors at the couple's own expense. She is rumoured to have collaborated once again with interior designer Ben Pentreath (who worked on both their Kensington Palace apartment and country home, Anmer Hall) to blend elegant luxury with a relaxed, family-friendly style. 

William and Kate's agreement with The Crown

As part of their "short-term 20-year lease", which began on 5 July 2025, William and Kate pay £307,200 a year for Forest Lodge, and they will reportedly face a rent review every five years in line with the Consumer Price Index. This transparency over rent comes after King Charles' brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, found himself in hot water over the "peppercorn rent" he paid at Royal Lodge. 

The family's love for Windsor 

Prince William and Kate Middleton with children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis© Kensington Palace
Prince William and Kate Middleton with children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis

In Windsor, the royal couple can give their three children a rural upbringing that's away from the goldfish bowl of the royal family. Princess Kate is also used to a life in the countryside, considering she grew up with her parents and siblings in Berkshire. Now, they can try and provide their young children as much of a "normal' childhood as possible. 

The royals still have a secondary base in London, Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace, and this property is ideal for when they need to stay in the city for work. Despite sounding small, their apartment takes up half of an entire wing in the palace. 

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