The Prince and Princess of Wales will be protected by a large cordoned-off area when they move into their new home, sparking frustration among locals concerned about losing access to the land.
CCTV cameras, fencing and landscaping will keep trespassers away from their ‘forever home’ at Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, according to The Sun.
The royal couple, along with their children — George, Charlotte, and Louis — have been living at Adelaide Cottage within the grounds of Windsor Castle since 2022. But after a challenging 18 months marked by the Princess’s battle with cancer, they have decided to make a change.
However, the decision has drawn criticism from local dog walkers and ramblers, who will lose access to the land surrounding Forest Lodge.
Mechanical engineer Tom Bunn, 32, who often uses the park to walk his dog, said it was “disappointing” to no longer have access to the site, but said he understood it was necessary because the safety of the family is “paramount”.
Another local, who did not want to be named, said: “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.”
Cranbourne Gate car park in Windsor Great Park has been permanently closed as of today (Monday, September 19) and trespassers on the site now face the risk of arrest under new Home Office plans.
Other closed access points include Sandpit Gate, Woodend Gate and the South Forest.
An area covering 150 acres and a 2.3 mile perimeter will be signposted warning people not to enter.
Locals have been able to apply for access to Cranbourne Gate if they live within half a mile, but those who do not will have to travel further afield to walk their dogs.
Contractors have reportedly spent weeks erecting a large wooden perimeter fence to close off the woods and the green space around the Grade II listed Georgian house.
Trees have been planted for privacy and CCTV camera have been installed.
Public access to the site will be permanently blocked when it becomes a designated property under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act (SOCPA) 2005. The law protects crown land, private land belonging to the King or immediate heir.
Speaking about the move, a royal source previously told the BBC: “Windsor has become their home. However, over the last few years while they have lived at Adelaide Cottage there have been some really difficult times.
"Moving gives them an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter.
"It's an opportunity to leave some of the more unhappy memories behind."
Forest Lodge is where the royal family will love when the Prince and Princess of Wales become King and Queen.
As with their four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage, it is understood they will not have any live-in staff as they focus on creating as private as family home as is possible.
