In the quaint embrace of Windsor’s Adelaide Cottage, Princess Catherine, along with Prince William and their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—forge moments far removed from the public eye. Their move to the 200-year-old pink dwelling in 2022, a decision initially propelled by a desire for privacy, has now turned into a sanctuary for recovery as the Princess of Wales undergoes cancer treatment.
Prince George, Princess Catherine, Prince Louis, Prince William and Princess Charlotte arriving at Lambrook School in Bracknell, England on September 7, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Nestled within the serene expanses of Windsor Home Park,
the 655-acre estate offers a stark contrast to the family’s previous residence at Kensington Palace. The cottage’s charm, history, and “domestic” architecture underscore a lineage of royal occupants that traces back to its construction in 1831 as a summer retreat for Queen Adelaide.
A picture of Kensington Palace in London, England on March 23, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
With its picturesque grounds and close proximity to the Lambrook School—where the Wales children are students—and stables for their equestrian pursuits, Adelaide Cottage provides an ideal backdrop for the family’s endeavors towards a semblance of normal life amid trying times.
The public’s reaction to the family’s choice of residence during this challenging period has been overwhelmingly supportive, with people praising the move for its discretion and simplicity. One fan praised,
“I think their move to Adelaide Cottage was a smart move. No servants live with [them]. No leaks.”
One comment from a social media user seemed to poke fun at the Prince and Princess’s living quarters:
“So, the @RoyalFamily exiled the [Sussexes] to Frogmore. But, since they bring their star power everywhere they go… the place is now cool to live at… & of course, @KensingtonRoyal had to copy it because that’s all they know how to do 😂#MonkeySeeMonkeyDo.”
However, the majority leaned in favor of the residence with another fan stating,
“The fact that Catherine & William were happy at the little cottage speaks volumes. They wanted their privacy together – a lot like now in Adelaide Cottage. I wish them both every happiness.”
Downsizing from the grandeur of Kensington Palace to a more intimate setting marked a significant lifestyle shift for the Prince and Princess of Wales. Despite the logistical adjustments, which included the relocation of their trusted nanny, Maria Borrallo, the Cambridges embraced this change, finding solace in Windsor’s tranquility.
The move not only brought them closer to nature and Princess Catherine’s parents but also signified a commitment to providing a grounded upbringing for their children away from the limelight.
With its narratives of architectural reuse and royal legacies, Adelaide Cottage encapsulates a blend of public heritage and private comfort. Its proximity to significant royal landmarks, including the nearby Frogmore Cottage and the main Windsor Castle, underscores the interconnectedness of royal residences while emphasizing the unique position of the home as a haven in the royal family’s real estate portfolio.
Before settling in Adelaide Cottage, Princess Catherine lived in a variety of homes
that reflected her journey from an ordinary civilian to the Duchess of Cambridge with each residence marking a significant chapter in her life.
Bucklebury Manor—her childhood home—grounded her in a setting of familial warmth while St Salvator’s Hall was the place where she experienced university life, and where love blossomed between her and Prince William amid the hall’s gothic splendor.
Prince William and Princess Catherine during a visit to Centrepoint’s Camberwell Foyer in London, England on December 21, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Old Church Street in Chelsea served as her post-graduate haven—shared with her sister Pippa Middleton—offering a glimpse into her life before royal engagements took precedence. Her temporary abode at Bodorgan Hall on the Anglesey coast allowed for a private retreat while Prince William served with the RAF.
Princess Catherine and Pippa Middleton at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, England on July 13, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
1A Kensington Palace, which boasted 20 rooms, signified her full embrace into the royal fold while Anmer Hall, a 10-bedroom Georgian mansion, was a gift from the late Queen Elizabeth II.
A picture of Kensington Palace in London, England on March 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Aside from the vast past residences she has lived in, Adelaide Cottage emerges as a safe space for the beloved royal to undergo treatment as she bravely faces her health challenge.
As we previously reported on March 5, 2024,
Princess Catherine was spotted with her mom near Windsor where she is recovering from her abdominal surgery.
Carole Middleton and Princess Catherine at the Royal Ascot in Ascot, England on June 20, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Amidst curiosity and concern for Princess Catherine’s health, the Palace assured the public of her steady progress, kindly requesting privacy during this time. However, people were still relieved to see pictures of the Princess near Windsor accompanied by her mother, after she was spotted for the first time in over two months since her surgery.
On Monday, near Windsor Castle, the Princess of Wales was seen
sitting in the passenger seat of a black Audi SUV. Her mom, Carole Middleton, was driving, she looked relaxed, simply focusing on the road ahead. Trying to maintain her privacy, Princess Kate wore black sunglasses and let her hair down.
The palace announced that the Princess would be “unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter,” which falls on March 31st this year. Until then, it seems like the Princess has decided to reside in their family’s residence, Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.
Windsor Castle, Windsor, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
Adelaide Cottage, nestled within the serene Windsor estate, is a perfect example of a quieter, more intimate side of royal living. Chosen by Prince William and his wife, this residence offers a stark contrast to their bustling London base at Kensington Palace.
The cottage, nearly 200 years old, is a perfect balance between elegance and simplicity. With classic marble fireplaces
and a dignified facade, it is known for its historical charm.
The house offers the Cambridges a serene and private hidden place surrounded by nature. Away from busy loud London, and close to the Middleton children’s school, it is a perfect place to recover.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
As previously reported on February 29, 2024:
It’s been over two months since the Princess of Wales was last seen in public during the royal family’s traditional Christmas morning service at Sandringham last year.
Following this, Kensington Palace
announced
on January 17, 2024, that the Princess was admitted to the hospital for “planned abdominal surgery,” necessitating a period of rest. Consequently, Princess Catherine’s public engagements have been paused, with expectations set for her return to royal duties after Easter.
Catherine, Princess of Wales attending the Christmas morning service at St. Mary Magdalene Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk | Source: Getty Images
During her last public appearance before the surgery, the Princess was seen walking to the St. Mary Magdalene Church in the royal family’s estate in Norfolk, England. She was among royal family members, including Prince William
and their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
A close-up of Catherine, Princess of Wales beaming during the Christmas morning service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk | Source: Getty Images
Photos from the Christmas service showed the Princess in a festive mood as she walked hand-in-hand with her family, greeted spectators, and strolled alongside King Charles III.
Princess Charlotte, Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Mia Tindall and Princess Catherine attending the Christmas morning service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk | Source: Getty Images
The Princess of Wales was photographed smiling walking alongside her children and Mia Tindall, with Prince William trailing behind. At one point, the Princess was captured greeting spectators while carrying a bouquet of roses.
Catherine, Princess of Wales walking hand-in-hand with Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince William, Prince Louis and Mia Tindall at the Christmas morning service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk | Source: Getty Images
For the holiday occasion, Princess Catherine was elegantly dressed
in a long, vibrant blue coat by Alexander McQueen, meticulously tailored with a cinched waist and pronounced shoulders, complemented by a deep blue turtleneck sweater underneath.
She paired her striking coat with dark blue suede knee-high boots, featuring a sleek block heel and pointed toe.
Catherine, Princess of Wales greeting the crowd as she carried a bouquet of roses on the way to the Christmas morning service at St. Mary Magdalene Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk | Source: Getty Images
Her attire was further enhanced by a chic fascinator adorned with a bold bow and crossed arrows, set against her elegantly styled half-up, half-down hair.
Paying homage to Princess Diana, she completed her look with the late Princess’s iconic sapphire and diamond drop earrings.
Catherine, Princess of Wales at the Christmas Day service at St. Mary Magdalene Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk | Source: Getty Images
At one point, she was photographed smiling as she walked behind King Charles III and held Pince Louis’ hand during their stroll.
The youngest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales coordinated with his mother in blue-and-green plaid trousers, a navy double-breasted coat, and black loafers.
Prince Louis of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales and King Charles III at the Christmas morning service on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk | Source: Getty Images
The future queen was also captured walking hand-in-hand with Princess Charlotte, who donned an olive green double-breasted coat with a blue-and-green plaid skirt, navy tights, and glossy black ballet flats, her hair styled loosely with subtle braids.
The Princess of Wales and her daughter Princess Charlotte at the Christmas morning service at the church in Sandringham on December 25, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Prince George and Prince William matched in navy suits and white shirts. While George wore a blue tie speckled with white, his father paired his suit with a teal tie.
The Prince and Princess of Wales with their three children during the festivities on Christmas morning at Sandringham on December 25, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
On January 29, 2024, a spokesperson from Kensington Palace announced that Princess Catherine had been discharged from The London Clinic and would continue her recovery at home in Windsor. “She is making good progress,” the statement assured.
Kensington Palace expressed gratitude for the support and care provided by the medical staff and the well wishes from around the world. Although specific details of the surgery were not disclosed, it was previously confirmed that the surgery was successful and the condition treated was non-cancerous.
Catherine, Princess of Wales at the Christmas Day service at St. Mary Magdalene Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk | Source: Getty Images
At a recent investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, Prince William commented on his wife’s health recovery while stepping in for his father, King Charles III, following the king’s recent cancer diagnosis announcement.
During the ceremony, Trish Spruce, a recruiter for the United Kingdom’s National Health Service, who was being honored with an MBE, revealed in a LinkedIn post that the Prince of Wales expressed his admiration towards two Filipino nurses caring for Catherine. He praised their incredible kindness and dedication.
During Kate’s hospital stay, William put his official duties on hold. He has since returned to resume his engagements after ensuring Kate was comfortably settled in the home they share in Windsor.