In August of last year, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince William, and Princess Catherine, along with their three children, made a significant move from Kensington Palace to their new residence, Adelaide Cottage.
Located on the grounds of Windsor Castle, the royal family embraced a change of scenery, bidding farewell to the bustling capital.
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As the first anniversary of their relocation approaches, the couple seems content with their current abode.
The past twelve months have brought about considerable changes in the lives of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Not only did they mourn the loss of the late Queen Elizabeth II, but they also assumed additional royal responsibilities following their elevation to their new titles.
Alongside their children, Princes George and Louis, and Princess Charlotte, the move seems to have been a success in every way, as the family is close to the little ones’ school, Lambrook, as well as Windsor Castle and the home of Kate’s parents, who also live in Berkshire.
Adelaide Cottage: A Home with Strict Rules and Limitations
While the move has proven favorable for the royal family in many respects, their new residence comes with certain restrictions.
Adelaide Cottage, a unique and historically significant property, falls under Grade II listed status, subjecting it to stringent planning regulations under British law.
This means that any modifications or alterations to the house require special permission, even for seemingly minor changes like replacing a window.
The responsibility of granting this category of protection lies with Historic England, the department overseeing the preservation of important architectural and historical sites.
Their statutes define a listed building as one possessing exceptional architectural or historical significance deemed worthy of national preservation.
Space Constraints
One notable drawback of Adelaide Cottage is its limited number of bedrooms, with only four available. This leaves the couple with one bedroom for themselves and one for each of their three children.
As reported by ‘The Sun’, the family currently does not have in-house staff, signifying a significant change, particularly for Princes George, Louis, and Princess Charlotte.
Their former nanny, Maria Borrallo, a Spanish national, used to reside with them at both Kensington Palace and their Norfolk country house, Anmer Hall.
A Historical Gem
Adelaide Cottage, nestled in the heart of the expansive Windsor estate and close proximity to the renowned castle, was constructed in 1831.
Initially intended as a retreat for Queen Adelaide, wife of William IV and the property’s namesake, it later became a beloved residence of Queen Victoria, who frequented the cottage for breakfast.
Despite its seemingly modest appearance, Adelaide Cottage boasts remarkable interior features, including a Greco-Egyptian marble fireplace.
Although no interior photographs have been made public, reports suggest that the master bedroom is a true work of art, featuring a vaulted ceiling adorned with intricate golden dolphins and ropes crafted from material sourced from the royal yacht Royal George.
A Historical Residence with Former Royal Connections
In recent years, Adelaide Cottage served as a residence for royal staff and close friends of the family.
One prominent former resident was Captain Peter Townsend, Princess Margaret’s great love.
Townsend, an esteemed RAF pilot and later an aide to King George VI, was a divorced father of two, which caused controversy in the UK due to the strict marital laws of the time.
Despite their engagement in April 1953, their relationship was ultimately thwarted by the Royal Marriages Act of 1772, prohibiting members of the royal family from marrying divorced individuals while their former spouses were alive.
