August M
Security arrangements surrounding Prince William and Princess Catherine’s new Windsor home have drawn attention after fresh commentary from a former royal protection chief. The measures highlight the sensitivity around safeguarding the heir to the throne and his family.
The Prince and Princess of Wales moved into Forest Lodge with their three children earlier this autumn. The property is now understood to be subject to heightened protective controls.
A long-term base
William and Catherine relocated to the eight-bedroom Forest Lodge in October with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. The home has been described as their “forever home” as they look to settle the family in Windsor, the Express reports.
Before the move, the family lived at Adelaide Cottage from 2022, after leaving London. The decision was widely viewed as prioritising stability as the children grow older.
With William next in line to the throne, and his children second, third and fourth, their safety has been classified as a matter of national importance.
Security focus
Reports say a wide security perimeter has been established around the Windsor property, covering a large area of land. According to The Mail on Sunday, the exclusion zone reflects serious concerns about potential threats to the family.
The arrangements are understood to have been put in place under Section 128 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005, which allows access restrictions in areas linked to security risks.
As a result, parts of Windsor Great Park that were previously open to the public are now fenced off.
Expert response
Former head of royal protection Dai Davies addressed the issue in a piece for the Daily Mail. He rejected suggestions that privacy concerns were a driving factor.
“Any suggestion that the family’s need for privacy played a significant part in the decision is, in my view, so wide of the mark as to be laughable,” he wrote.
Davies acknowledged frustration among local residents and visitors but said safety must come first. “It’s understandable that ramblers, dog walkers and some neighbours are peeved that the land in Windsor Great Park that was previously open to all is now fenced off.”
Safety first
He added: “But their right to roam is not more important than the Royal Family’s need for protection from terrorists and others intent on doing them harm.”
“This is a question of priorities. And the safety of the heir to the throne is the highest priority imaginable,” Davies said.
The family were briefly seen in public earlier this week while attending Christmas Day services at Sandringham.
Sources: Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday
