Prince William's downsized monarchy could come at a huge price – be careful what you wish for, expert says

Scottish Sun

13 hours ago

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PRINCE William is moving his family to a 'forever home' in a bid to build happy memories after three tough years, The Sun exclusively revealed last week.
However, according to an expert, the downsized monarchy could come at a huge price.
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William and Kate's new home will be an ideal pad for their young family - but according to an expert, the downsized monarchy could come at a huge price
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
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The family-of-five are moving to their 'forever home' nestled in Windsor Great Park
Credit: Getty
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Kate told how she had cancer and began her recovery at Adelaide Cottage
Credit: AP
Eight-bedroom Forest Lodge, nestled in Windsor Great Park, is where William, Kate and their three kids, George, Louis and Charlotte will remain even after he becomes King.
Insiders say the family are hoping for a 'fresh start' after a difficult time at Adelaide Cottage, during which Queen Elizabeth died in 2022 and Kate and Charles were diagnosed with cancer.
It is the ideal pad for their young family and far removed from Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.
It is understood that they are paying for the move and rent at no extra cost to the taxpayer.
However, Royal commentator and journalist Robert Jobson told The Sun's Royal Exclusive show that the father-of-three should be ''careful'' of what he wishes for.
Chatting to The Sun's Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson, Robert said that Prince William, 43, could ''become less connected to the people''.
''People do turn out when they see, particularly people like Sophie Wessex and the new Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward.
''They turn out in droves. They like that connection. And if you lose that connection, the monarchy actually loses something that it's about.
''I think you've got to be careful what you wish for.''
But for the time being, as William is changing ''things the way he wants to'', the expert said fans of the Royal Family will just have to ''wait and see''.
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William's time to become the future King is still away - and in the meantime, Matt Wilkson said, ''he's very much focusing on his young family''.
''Remember, Charles as King doesn't have a very young family that he has to make sure he's at home when they get back from school [...] - that's what William enjoys.
''He enjoys the school run, and he wants to bring his children up in the countryside.
''His life is very different to what King Charles' is.
''I know the late Queen Elizabeth II [...], she worked extremely hard when she was bringing up her children, but that's what William perhaps is choosing not to do.
''But it's a different era as well.''
A FRESH BEGINNING
By Matt Wilkinson
WILLIAM'S decision for a forever home in Windsor Great Park serves as a fresh beginning for his family but also a statement on his future.
He is planning to raise his children not in a palace or a castle — but in a house.
The family of five's country pile is a world away from the suffocating walls of Buckingham Palace or the draughty passageways of Windsor Castle.
It is now clear that William is unlikely to ever live in the palace, which has been home to monarchs since 1837.
The London landmark, along with Windsor Castle, will likely be opened up to the public, allowing more royal functions.
Unlike Harry and Meghan, when they were handed Frogmore Cottage and splashed £2.5million of taxpayer money on renovations, the family are footing the repair bill and rent.
They enjoyed Adelaide Cottage, but it was almost a trial to see if the family could happily settle away from London.
The children loved it, they were close to their school and Windsor. And that close family atmosphere will continue at Forest Lodge, where they will still have no live-in staff.
The Princess of Wales has strongly advocated countryside pursuits helping her cancer recovery.
After three new homes in as many years they will spend the rest of their days at Forest Lodge and Anmer Hall, in beautiful Norfolk.
For King and Country(side).
However, in Robert's eyes, ''it's not a question of choice - it's a question of duty''.
''I think that William has got to be quite careful whilst doing this balancing act.''
While Robert was understanding of the family going through ''a difficult time'' and raising three kids, ''the role of the monarch is one where duty has to come first''.
''I don't think there's any way around that unless you want to have a part-time monarch or a president.
''The reality is that is the job. It's a job for life and it's a job that's pretty relentless.''
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The Waleses will have lived in three properties in as many years
Credit: PA