Prince William and Kate Middleton’s “Forever Home” Under New Security Measures
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Prince William and Princess Kate will be protected by a huge no-go area – banning locals from land near their new home.
Those living near the eight-bed Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, have branded the new measures as a “kick in the teeth”. A car park and gate access too the park closed for good last night, and new orders are in place to restrict access to the surrounding woodland.
The move is designed to bolster security around the couple’s new family home, which they are reportedly viewing as their “forever home” as their children grow up. Locals previously used the car park to walk their dogs and enjoy the scenery, but now face a 20-minute detour.
one local resident told The Sun: “It’s a kick in the teeth.We’ve used that car park for years.It’s a public space and now we’re being locked out for the sake of their privacy.”
Another added: “It’s a bit unfair, really. We understand they need security, but it feels like we’re being punished.”
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council confirmed the closure, stating it was a “security measure” and that they had been informed by the police. A sign at the entrance reads: “This gate is now permanently closed. Option access points are available.”
Forest Lodge was previously the home of Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex, and is situated a short distance from the castle. The Prince and Princess of Wales moved into the property last autumn.
Kate and William’s ‘Forever Home’ Comes with a No-Go Zone for Locals
The area surrounding Prince William and Kate Middleton’s new home, forest Lodge, is now a restricted zone, impacting local access to a beloved park. The no-go zone aims to protect the royal family – William and Kate, both 43, and their children george, 12, Charlotte, ten, and seven-year-old Louis.
Previously, locals paid £110 annually for car park access and gate entry to the park. Now, the park is closed to the public as part of a 150-acre no-go area with a 2.3-mile perimeter. Signposts will soon be installed to deter entry, with a recent order stating access via Cranbourne Gate will be permanently closed due to the area’s designation as an exclusion zone.
While some locals are disappointed by the changes, most acknowledge and respect the royal family’s need for heightened security. Tom Bunn, a local resident, expressed his understanding despite the inconvenience. “Obviously it’s disappointing as my dog loves it here… But I completely understand the safety of William, Kate and their family is paramount.” He and his dog, Mr Brown, will now need to find an alternative location for their regular walks.
Public Access to Be Blocked Around Prince and princess of Wales’ New Windsor Home
Public access to the area surrounding Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, the new residence of the prince and Princess of Wales, is set to be permanently blocked. The move comes as the property is designated under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act (SOCPA) 2005, a law designed to protect crown land and private property belonging to the King or the heir to the throne.
New Residence,Increased Security
According to plans outlined in documents,Forest Lodge is now listed as a “new residence” on private Crown Estate land. The boundary changes were agreed upon by Thames Valley Police, the Royal Household, and other involved parties. The decision to restrict access did not require public consultation.
The designation change stems from the fact that the property was previously occupied by non-protected tenants, meaning the SOCPA protections weren’t previously needed.With the Prince and Princess of Wales moving in, the site is now considered part of the wider Crown Land within Windsor and will receive the same security measures as other designated Crown properties under section 128 of the SOCPA 2005. https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/prince-william-kate-middleton-windsor-33239999
SOCPA 2005 and Crown Land Protection
The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (SOCPA) allows for the designation of land as a protected site, restricting public access to areas around properties deemed vulnerable to trespass or criminal activity. This is particularly relevant to royal residences and other high-profile locations.https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/15/contents
The designation aims to enhance security and privacy for the occupants of Forest Lodge. The Crown Estate manages a vast portfolio of land, property, and assets belonging to the monarchy, and SOCPA provides a legal framework for protecting these holdings. https://www.crownestate.co.uk/
Response from Kensington Palace and the Home Office
The Mirror reports having contacted Kensington Palace and the Home Office for comment on the matter. As of the time of this writing, responses have not been publicly released.