Amid Princess Catherine’s cancer battle, her and her family’s choice to stay at their serene Adelaide Cottage garners widespread support for its privacy and charm. Public sentiment echoes admiration for their “smart” and discreet choice of living away from prying eyes.
In the quaint embrace of Windsor’s Adelaide Cottage, Princess Catherine, along with Prince William and their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—forge moments far removed from the public eye. Their move to the 200-year-old pink dwelling in 2022, a decision initially propelled by a desire for privacy, has now turned into a sanctuary for recovery as the Princess of Wales undergoes cancer treatment.
Nestled within the serene expanses of Windsor Home Park, the 655-acre estate offers a stark contrast to the family’s previous residence at Kensington Palace. The cottage’s charm, history, and “domestic” architecture underscore a lineage of royal occupants that traces back to its construction in 1831 as a summer retreat for Queen Adelaide.
With its picturesque grounds and close proximity to the Lambrook School—where the Wales children are students—and stables for their equestrian pursuits, Adelaide Cottage provides an ideal backdrop for the family’s endeavors towards a semblance of normal life amid trying times.
The public’s reaction to the family’s choice of residence during this challenging period has been overwhelmingly supportive, with people praising the move for its discretion and simplicity. One fan praised, “I think their move to Adelaide Cottage was a smart move. No servants live with [them]. No leaks.”
One comment from a social media user seemed to poke fun at the Prince and Princess’s living quarters: “So, the @RoyalFamily exiled the [Sussexes] to Frogmore. But, since they bring their star power everywhere they go… the place is now cool to live at… & of course, @KensingtonRoyal had to copy it because that’s all they know how to do 
#MonkeySeeMonkeyDo.”
However, the majority leaned in favor of the residence with another fan stating, “The fact that Catherine & William were happy at the little cottage speaks volumes. They wanted their privacy together – a lot like now in Adelaide Cottage. I wish them both every happiness.”
Downsizing from the grandeur of Kensington Palace to a more intimate setting marked a significant lifestyle shift for the Prince and Princess of Wales. Despite the logistical adjustments, which included the relocation of their trusted nanny, Maria Borrallo, the Cambridges embraced this change, finding solace in Windsor’s tranquility.
The move not only brought them closer to nature and Princess Catherine’s parents but also signified a commitment to providing a grounded upbringing for their children away from the limelight.
With its narratives of architectural reuse and royal legacies, Adelaide Cottage encapsulates a blend of public heritage and private comfort. Its proximity to significant royal landmarks, including the nearby Frogmore Cottage and the main Windsor Castle, underscores the interconnectedness of royal residences while emphasizing the unique position of the home as a haven in the royal family’s real estate portfolio.
Before settling in Adelaide Cottage, Princess Catherine lived in a variety of homes that reflected her journey from an ordinary civilian to the Duchess of Cambridge with each residence marking a significant chapter in her life.
Bucklebury Manor—her childhood home—grounded her in a setting of familial warmth while St Salvator’s Hall was the place where she experienced university life, and where love blossomed between her and Prince William amid the hall’s gothic splendor.
Old Church Street in Chelsea served as her post-graduate haven—shared with her sister Pippa Middleton—offering a glimpse into her life before royal engagements took precedence. Her temporary abode at Bodorgan Hall on the Anglesey coast allowed for a private retreat while Prince William served with the RAF.