Here’s a surprising royal revelation that might just leave you scratching your head: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis will never inherit their family’s 'forever home,' Forest Lodge. Yes, you read that right—despite it being the place they call home, this grand eight-bedroom residence won’t be passed down to them. But why? Well, here’s the twist: their parents, Prince William and Princess Kate, don’t actually own the property. Instead, it’s part of the Crown Estate, meaning it belongs to the monarchy and is simply leased to the family. And this is the part most people miss—even though it’s their home, it’s not theirs to keep.
Now, you might be wondering, if they don’t own it, who does? The Crown Estate is essentially the royal family’s portfolio of properties, and Forest Lodge is just one of its many assets. The family pays a 'market rate' rent to live there, which is a far cry from the controversial 'peppercorn rent' that Prince Andrew has been criticized for paying at Royal Lodge. But here’s where it gets controversial: Should royal family members be paying full market rent for properties they don’t own, or is there a case for special treatment? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Adding to the intrigue, William and Kate have invested their personal funds into extensive renovations at Forest Lodge, both inside and out. From minor external updates to internal alterations, they’ve put their own touch on the place. But despite these efforts, the property remains firmly in the Crown’s hands. So, while Forest Lodge may feel like their 'forever home,' it’s technically just a long-term rental.
So, why Windsor? Beyond its reputation as a desirable place to live—it’s ranked the UK’s top location in the 2025 Vitality Index for health, economy, and living standards—there’s a deeply personal reason. The family has roots here. The children are settled at Lambrook School nearby, and the proximity to Windsor Castle makes royal engagements a breeze. As HELLO!’s Online Royal Correspondent, Danielle Stacey, explains, 'Upsizing to Forest Lodge gives the family more space and a sense of permanence, away from the formal walls of a palace.'
But if Forest Lodge isn’t in the inheritance cards, what will Prince George inherit? Technically, he’s set to become the steward of the Duchy of Cornwall, a massive property portfolio that includes farms, holiday homes, retail parks, offices, heritage sites, and large-scale housing developments. As the future Duke of Cornwall, he’ll oversee projects like Poundbury in Dorset and Nansledan in Cornwall, where the Duchy has created entire communities from the ground up. This makes him the largest private landowner in Britain—a far cry from a single 'forever home.'
So, while Forest Lodge may not be theirs to keep, the royal children are poised to inherit something far grander. But here’s a thought-provoking question for you: In an era of rising housing inequality, is it fair for one family to control such vast amounts of land and property? Share your opinions below—we’d love to hear what you think!
