Prince William and Princess Kate's heatwave loophole that could save Forest Lodge


The Prince and Princess of Wales have been in their 'forever home' with their three children for nine months now and their garden is suffering


Prince William and Kate Middleton looking concerned© Getty Images
Rachel Avery
Rachel AveryHomes Editor
32 minutes ago
Share this:

The Prince and Princess of Wales moved into their 'forever home', Forest Lodge, in November 2025, with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Similarly to many other UK households, the family will be struggling to keep their garden thriving due to the extreme heatwaves and imposed hosepipe ban

They undoubtedly have a gardening team on hand to work on their outdoor space, but they too will be banned from using any hosepipes to water the lawn, hedges and flowers. 

However, if when the family moved in they planted new trees, these could be excluded from the ban. As "trees planted within the last three years" are permitted to be watered with a hosepipe, according to the Thames Water website. 

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.

UK's droughts cause widespread bans 

Many parts of the UK are facing a hosepipe ban due to the unprecedented dry weather during the summer months. The UK has seen record temperatures and a significant lack of rainfall, causing droughts. 

Thames Water is one of the many water companies in the UK that has issued a ban on hosepipe use for their customers while they conserve water levels. The company's website explains the restriction applies to hosepipes, sprinklers and pressure washers but their customers are still able to use watering cans and buckets to water their gardens. 

London park with yellow grass© PA Images via Getty Images
The UK landscape has suffered because of the heatwave

Former BBC Royal Correspondent Jenny Bond has been very frugal with her water usage, choosing to recycle her bathwater to keep her outdoor plants alive. Fans praised her efforts when she shared a video on Instagram, with one writing: "Well done you," and another adding: "Thanks for saving water. Like David Attenborough says we should try not to waste anything."

What is Forest Lodge like inside?

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

The Wales family are keen to keep the inside of Forest Lodge private, instead choosing to film any content for public consumption at nearby Windsor Castle instead. However, archival photographs do show some of the inside of the eight-bedroom property, including a very impressive entranceway with vaulted ceilings. The residence, formerly known as Holly Grove, has traditional features throughout such as arched windows and classic fireplaces. 

Historical documents show the home has a principal drawing room downstairs, a long gallery room and also a self-contained flat. The flat would be the perfect space for live-in staff; however, William and Kate decided to do away with live-in help when they moved to Forest Lodge. They still have nannies, cleaners and general staff on hand, but they do not stay overnight at the residence.

More Homes
See more
Conversation

For more information on our conversation section, please read our Community Guidelines. Comments featured and views shared are not endorsed by HELLO!.