Princess Kate and Prince William’s security measures ahead of moving into their “forever home” has sparked a backlash from residents in the local area.
The couple’s move to Forest Lodge has led to the implementation of a massive “no-go zone” around the royal residence.
The exclusion zone will span approximately 150 acres and will ring fence a 2.3-mile perimeter in order to keep Kate, William and their children safe.
The new exclusion zone will be enforced via measures including state-of-the-art CCTV, with the Home Office building a wooden perimeter fence along with landscaping to provide privacy for the family.
Princess Kate and Prince William’s security measures ahead of moving into their “forever home” has sparked a backlash from residents in the local area.
|
PA
Forest Lodge will become a designated property under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act (SOCPA) 2005, according to The Sun.
The security measures have led to a car park closing and locals will no longer be able to access Windsor Great Park at Cranbourne Gate.
Residents could previously pay £110 annually to use the entrance.
One local woman told The Sun: “Many of us have been walking our dogs here for 20 years so to be told we can’t any more is a kick in the teeth.
The couple’s move to Forest Lodge has led to the implementation of a massive “no-go zone” around the royal residence.
|
GETTY
“We pay annually towards the upkeep of a park but we are no longer going to be allowed to use part of it.
“They’ve only given us a few days’ notice to say this section of forest is closing forever.
“Now I’ll need to get in my car to drive further afield to take my dog for a walk.”
Forest Lodge will be a substantial upgrade from Adelaide Cottage, featuring eight bedrooms across three storeys compared to their current four-bedroom accommodation.
The Prince and Princess of Wales will pay a market rent for Forest Lodge, which is never publicly disclosed for commercial reasons.
|
GETTY
The Prince and Princess of Wales will pay a market rent for Forest Lodge, which is never publicly disclosed for commercial reasons.
The property contains six bathrooms, a long gallery, and underwent £1.5 million worth of renovations in 2001.
Forest Lodge has been part of the Crown Estate since 1829, and it previously housed royal staff members, including equerries and private secretaries.
Sources close to the couple emphasise that their 2022 relocation from Kensington Palace to Adelaide Cottage served as a trial period to assess whether the area suited their family’s needs.