Nestled within the lush 655-acre Windsor estate, Adelaide Cottage has become the cherished country retreat of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, since their move from London in 2022.

A Grade II-listed property, originally built for Queen Adelaide in 1831, the cottage offers a refreshing departure from the grandeur of Kensington Palace, providing a more grounded and private lifestyle for the Wales family.

It is a residence where simplicity, privacy, and a connection to nature define their family life.

Though much smaller than their former Kensington home, Adelaide Cottage has provided the family with something more valuable: peace and a greater sense of normalcy.

Here, the children can run freely and explore the outdoors without the constant press of royal duties or public attention, allowing them to grow up with a more typical childhood. This quieter, simpler lifestyle is a departure from the hustle and bustle of royal life in London, and it has been a welcome change for the family.

Adelaide Cottage, however, is where the Wales family feels most at home. Despite its modest size, it offers them the privacy and security they value, away from the media glare that often surrounds their royal duties.

However, Prince William is reportedly not keen on using public funds for this project. He has long been sensitive to public scrutiny regarding royal spending, and he is exploring ways to manage renovation costs without burdening taxpayers. Although the renovation of the annex is on hold for now, it remains a part of the family’s long-term plans and will be revisited when circumstances permit.

For Prince William and Catherine, this quaint country residence is more than just a house; it is a sanctuary from the pressures of royal life. The couple’s beloved dog, a Spaniel named Ora, is a constant companion at the cottage, and the family enjoys time together in the peaceful surroundings of Windsor Home Park. In fact, during a recent visit to Duchy College in Cornwall, Prince William revealed that Ora often sleeps on the couple’s bed, further showing the down-to-earth family dynamic they are creating at Adelaide Cottage.

Still, Adelaide Cottage stands as a testament to their desire for normalcy—a place where they can escape the pressures of royal life and create lasting memories together. Despite the contrast in scale and splendor between their London residence and their country cottage, it is clear that the Wales family has found a true home in the heart of Windsor.

As the family continues to enjoy their time in Windsor, with renovations in the works and plans for the future, the Wales family’s choice to embrace a quieter, more private life at Adelaide Cottage sends a powerful message about their commitment to balance both royal duties and family life. It’s a move toward simplicity, away from the grandeur, and into a more peaceful, grounded existence in the royal spotlight.