Kate & William's Move to Lavish Cottage Close to Queen Is 'Direct Message' to Harry & Meghan, Expert Claims

Prince William and Kate Middleton are to move to a luxurious cottage in Windsor by the end of the summer. The relocation will bring them closer to the Queen. But even as they plan to move, they are yet to decide which of the luxury cottages near the Palace will be their next home. What are their choices?

Prince William and Kate Middleton have spent the better part of their time between Kensington in the heart of London and the family's estate in the country, Anmer Hall. However, they plan to move to Windsor before summer ends.

While there're plenty of reasons behind their imminent move to the Windsor estate, such as a quieter full-time life and a comfortable stay for their children, experts say it is also a "direct message" to Harry and Meghan.

THE MOVE IS A DIRECT MESSAGE TO THE SUSSEX

As per Express.co.uk, the Duke of Sussex appeared to issue a direct message to those closest to the Queen, saying he wanted to ensure his grandmother was protected and had the right people around her.

During his interview with a US network, Harry shied away from elaborating whether he meant he wanted the Queen surrounded by royal aides or royal family members. He told NBC's Today show, as Express reports:

"She's always got a great sense of humor with me, and I'm just making sure that she's protected and got the right people around her."

William and Middleton's decision to move to the Queen's Windsor estate appears to show Harry that they are the right people to be close to the Queen.

The royal family continues to rally around the Queen since her husband, Prince Philip, passed on in April 2021. She has had support from a smaller and closer-knit group in her household since and through the pandemic, and it might just be why the Cambridges want to be closer to her.

WHY ELSE WOULD WILLIAM AND KATE CHOOSE TO MOVE?

The move to Windsor is a well-thought-out decision by William and Kate. Besides the experts claiming that it is a direct message to Harry and Markle, the Cambridges have numerous other reasons for relocating.

First, the move reflects the changing needs of the couple's children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. George and Charlotte will leave their London prep school, Thomas Battersea, and enroll in a new school in the Windsor area at the beginning of next term.

Initially, the children's schooling was the primary reason for the change. However, the move will also bring many other benefits to the young family. The new neighborhood will allow them to live a quieter, full-time life.

According to a family friend, living in London confines the kids as they cannot go to the park or play with friends. Being in Windsor will change that. However, William and Middleton plan to spend 10-15 years in Windsor, then move to the family country retreat Anmer Hall which remains special to them.

After the move, Middleton will be closer to her parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, and brother James Middleton who live in Buckleberry, Berkshire. The duchesses' parent's home is only a forty-minute drive from Windsor, and Middleton will live "next door" to the home where she and her two siblings grew up.

WHAT ARE THEIR CHOICES?

While news of their possible move has graced publications for a while now, the royal couple is yet to set the record straight about what their next home will be between Adelaide Cottage, Frogmore Cottage, and Fort Belvedere.

While their choice remains unclear, reports claim they will likely settle for the currently-occupied Adelaide Cottage. The property is a ten-minute walk from the Queen's official residence and boasts four bedrooms and sprawling grounds of up to 655 acres.

It is the perfect fit for the family as they will have no live-in aides. All their aides will commute from Windsor. Constructed in 1831 as an escape for Queen Adelaide, William IV's wife, the cottage is nestled in the heart of the Crown Estate royal park.

It is also a better choice than any other cottage as it already underwent an enormous remodeling in 2015, and if they choose to stay there, they will not dish out millions in renovations. A source told Hello! Magazine as The Week reports:

"They are adamant they didn't want anything too showy or anything that needed renovating or extra security so as not to be a burden on the taxpayer."

However, the Cambridges face stiff competition for the cottage, which has been a "grace and favor" residence for royal friends for years.

For a while now, Prince Andrew reportedly has had an eye on the home for his daughter Princess Eugenie, her husband Jack Brooksbank, and their son, August.

If Eugenie is lucky enough to move into Adelaide Cottage, the Cambridges might consider moving into Frogmore Cottage. The 17th-century English country house, a gift to Harry and Markle from the Queen after their wedding, boasts five bedrooms.

Harry and Meghan completed extensive renovations amounting to £2.4million before moving into Frogmore Cottage in April 2019. After relocating to the US, they entrusted it to Eugenie and her family, who have lived there since.

The home also housed the Sussex during their visit for the Queens Jubilee celebrations. However, it may not be viable for William and Middleton as royal insiders claim that Harry and Markle plan on spending more time in Windsor, even though their primary base will remain in Montecito, California.

The third choice for William and Middleton is the 18th-century Fort Belvedere. Situated a short drive from both Sunningdale Golf Course and Windsor Castle, the home is famous for being where King Edward VIII signed his abdication papers before marrying Wallis Simpson.

The country house on Shrubs Hill in Windsor Great Park is home to private tenants, currently occupied by the late Canadian billionaire Galen Weston's family.

It might soon be where William and Middleton settle down if, in any case, the two other options do not work for them. As it remains, they are yet to choose among the three.