Kate Middleton and Prince William are reportedly considering plans to renovate a lesser-known annexe adjacent to their Adelaide Cottage residence in Windsor. This renovation is said to be crucial for Kate’s recovery process. The annexe, a redbrick structure, is situated next to the family’s four-bedroom cottage on the Berkshire estate, where they have been residing since late summer 2022.
While Adelaide Cottage serves as their primary residence, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also maintain their beloved Anmer Hall retreat on the Sandringham Estate, where they spend a portion of their time. The proposed transformation of the annexe is expected to provide a sanctuary for Kate, allowing her to focus on her well-being during the recovery period.
Adelaide Cottage, located near Lambrook School where Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis attend, offers a convenient location for the family. However, reports suggest that the family is considering plans to expand a currently vacant annexe to facilitate Princess Kate’s recovery. This decision comes with its own set of challenges, as sources indicate that Prince William is mindful of public scrutiny over Royal expenditure and is cautiously opting to personally fund the costs associated with the expansion.
According to a source who spoke to OK! magazine, Prince William and Kate Middleton find Adelaide Cottage suitable for their family’s needs during the school term, as it accommodates them comfortably. However, Anmer Hall, their larger property with extensive grounds, serves as their primary residence for long weekends and holidays, providing ample space for the family. This arrangement suggests that while Adelaide Cottage is sufficient for their current requirements, the potential need for additional space may arise in the future. Notably, Prince William appears mindful of public perception regarding Royal spending, which could influence their housing decisions.
The royal family has disclosed plans to renovate an unused red-brick annexe building adjacent to Adelaide Cottage, with the intention of transforming it into a suitable retreat for the Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their staff. While the project has been temporarily put on hold to allow the Princess to focus on her recovery, the plans remain active and ready to be implemented when the appropriate time arises.
According to an insider source, the annexe building, which is currently uninhabitable and requires extensive renovation work, offers a spacious area that could be integrated into the overall grounds of Adelaide Cottage. The source revealed, “Nobody knows that there is quite a spacious red-brick annexe building that’s not being used next door to Adelaide Cottage. It’s currently uninhabitable and needs extensive renovation works if it were to be used. Discussions have been ongoing for a while about using the property as part of the overall cottage grounds, but it’s just about finding the right time to kick the project off.”
The proposed renovation aims to create an ideal retreat for the Wales family and their staff, providing them with additional living and working spaces within the Adelaide Cottage premises.
The need for a spacious and tranquil environment is not merely a luxury but a crucial factor in Kate’s journey towards wellness. Sources indicate that having a peaceful setting is essential for her to effectively manage the demands of her treatment. Anmer Hall emerges as the top choice due to its ample size and privacy.
Mindful of the previous public scrutiny over the use of public funds, the Wales family is considering financing the refurbishments of the Adelaide Cottage annexe themselves. A source revealed, “William is very conscious of the public scrutiny over the Royal Family’s spending habits, so he is looking at the best way to cover any renovation costs.” The source further added, “It’s a project that’s very much been put on the back burner for now due to the family’s unfortunate position, but it will be looked at again when the time is right.”
Adelaide Cottage, a historic residence nestled within the Crown Estate’s private 655-acre Royal park, was originally constructed in 1831 as a retreat for Queen Adelaide, the consort of King William IV. The property underwent extensive refurbishments in 2015, incorporating lavish interior design elements. Notably, reports indicate that the master bedroom boasts a grand ceiling adorned with gilded dolphins and intricate rope designs, adding a touch of opulence to the space.
Following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018, rumors circulated about the possibility of the couple choosing Adelaide Cottage in Windsor as their new home. The residence’s secluded location and convenient access to London were said to be the primary draws for the royal couple.