Tension arises between Prince William, Kate Middleton and King Charles due to recent proposals
In a potential shift within the British royal family, Prince William and Kate Middleton are reportedly considering Fort Belvedere as their next home[1][2][4]. This decision, however, has not been met with approval by King Charles III, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment[5].
The 18th Century Fort Belvedere, a gothic-revival estate, boasts amenities such as a swimming pool and tennis court. The renovation and upkeep of this grand property are expected to cost millions[1][3], a prospect that has left King Charles feeling "fuming" and frustrated[1][3][5].
Prince William and Kate Middleton are said to have outgrown their current home, Adelaide Cottage, and are attracted to Fort Belvedere's size, privacy, and features that accommodate their family's needs better[1][2][4]. However, their move faces practical obstacles, such as existing valid leases by current tenants at Fort Belvedere[3].
The focus of the move is on providing privacy, space, history, land, and proximity to Eton, which is essential for the couple who are preparing to take the throne at a "moment's notice" by the Palace[1]. The decision to consider Fort Belvedere as their home has reportedly irked King Charles, as it hinders his plans for a reduced monarchy[1].
Initially, the plan was for the Prince and Princess of Wales to take the Royal Lodge, but Prince Andrew's resistance to evict has led them to consider different options[4]. Meanwhile, Prince George recently turned 12, marking the start of his official training as the future monarch[2].
King Charles, who has been working towards a slimmed-down monarchy since his ascension to the throne in 2022[5], sees the renovation of Fort Belvedere as an unnecessary extravagance. The disagreement illustrates tension between the current monarch’s financial caution and the younger generation's desire for a family-friendly residence, with implications for royal estate management and financial priorities.
[1] Mail on Sunday [2] The Guardian [3] BBC News [4] The Telegraph [5] Sky News
- King Charles, who has been working towards a slimmed-down monarchy since his ascension to the throne in 2022, views Prince William and Kate Middleton's potential move to Fort Belvedere as an unnecessary extravagance.
- Prince William and Kate Middleton are considering Fort Belvedere as their next home, a decision that has been met with frustration from King Charles III, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment.
- The renovation and upkeep of Fort Belvedere, which boasts amenities like a swimming pool and tennis court, are expected to cost millions, a prospect that has left King Charles feeling "fuming."
- The focus of Prince William and Kate Middleton's move to Fort Belvedere is on providing privacy, space, history, land, and proximity to Eton, essential requirements for the couple who are preparing to take the throne at a "moment's notice" by the Palace.
- Meaningful tension between the current monarch’s financial caution and the younger generation's desire for a family-friendly residence is demonstrated in the disagreement surrounding the potential renovation of Fort Belvedere, with implications for royal estate management and financial priorities.
