This year, Prince William and his family will move into Adelaide Cottage. Situated on the grounds of Windsor Castle, this four-bedroom house is the ideal family home for William, Kate, George, Charlotte and Louis.
Having been a royal family residence since the 19th century, this cottage is certainly a great choice for the second heir to the British throne. Not only does it move him closer to his grandmother, the Queen, but also his father, Prince Charles, allowing the inevitable transition of monarchy to run smoothly.
Adelaide Cottage, formerly known as Adelaide Lodge, was built in 1831 by King William IV for his wife, Queen Adelaide, whom the cottage was named after. The property is based at the heart of Windsor Home Park, situated between Adelaide Road and Queen Victoria’s Walk in the Home Park. The construction of the building was overseen by architect Jeffry Wyatville, who incorporated parts of John Nash’s Royal Lodge. When the cottage was finalised, it was described as ‘chastley elegant’. Since October 1975, Adelaide Cottage has been listed Grade II on the National Heritage List for England, which means that it has great historical or architectural significance and is protected by the law.
Adelaide Cottage underwent major renovations back in 2015, however, it still has many historic decorative elements. The cottage has a pinkish-white rendering and ornamental roof trimmings. The original porch is still there today, as well as the surrounding immaculate gardens, which remain nearly untouched for almost 200 years. The interior features two public rooms, a retiring room which was used by the Queen, and a page’s room, as well as furnishings from the former royal lodge. The master bedroom’s ceiling features gilded dolphins and ropes which are from the royal yacht, HMY Royal George, and it is also said to have a marble Greco-Egyptian style fireplace.
Since Adelaide Cottage was built, it has had many residents associated with the Royal Family. The main one being Captain Peter Townsend who was equerry to King George VI. Peter resided there with his family in the 1940s, until he and his wife divorced in 1952, and the news broke that Peter and Princess Margaret were in a romantic relationship. Simon Rhodes, the son of the late Margaret Rhodes, who is the Queen’s first cousin and a Lady in Waiting to the Queen Mother, is also said to have previously resided there.
Adelaide Cottage was the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s first choice when looking for a permanent family home, with other properties requiring too much renovation work. The family will still use their current apartment in Kensington Palace, and they also still own Anmer Hall in Norfolk, which was gifted to them on their wedding day in 2011 by the Queen.
As well as celebrating a new family home, Prince William has also celebrated his 40th birthday this year, and here at Hattons of London we have released an incredible new series of sovereign coins to commemorate this occasion. You can browse the full range HERE.
