Prince William and Kate’s New Neighbors Have a Lot to Say About the Couple’s No-Go Zones Near Their New Home
Prince William and the Princess of Wales (formerly known as Kate Middleton) made headlines in August when reports surfaced that they would move into a new home in Windsor. The couple is seeking a “fresh start” in their new place following an extremely tough year.
The Waleses’ new residence is called Forest Lodge. It’s described as the family’s “forever home” where they will live even after William becomes king. But the royal move presents a challenge for locals who are now being told where they can and can’t go in their own neighborhood.
Here’s what they have to say about it.
Some residents living near the Waleses sound off over new no-go zones
Due to the fact that the future king and queen are relocating to the area — their safety as well as the safety of their three children is paramount — CCTV cameras and fencing have been installed around the property. Moreover, around 150 acres and a two-mile perimeter are now closed to the public. Signs will warn people not to enter, and officials will arrest those who trespass. Contractors have recently posted an order that reads: “Due to the pending designation of part of the Great Park as an exclusion area, access via Cranbourne Gate will permanently cease.”
This has garnered complaints from some living in the area.
One neighbor who spoke to The Mirror fumed: “Many of us have been walking our dogs here for 20 years, so to be told we can’t anymore is a kick in the teeth. 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.”
However, a nearby resident, mechanical engineer Tom Bunn, said he understands the predicament. He told The Sun: “Obviously it’s disappointing as my dog loves it here. We come here every couple of weeks, and we’re going to have to find somewhere else now for him to get the miles in. But I completely understand the safety of William, Kate, and their family is paramount, so we should make sure they can live happily here.”
Law protects private land belonging to the king or the heir apparent
The decision to close off the area around the Prince and Princess of Wales’ new home didn’t need public approval. A law already exists regarding private Crown Estate land, which includes Forest Lodge.
It states, “Public access is set to be permanently blocked once it becomes a designated property under the Serious Organized Crime and Police Act (SOCPA) 2005. The law protects crown land, private land belonging to the king or immediate heir.”
Furthermore, “The new boundary was agreed by all those involved, including Thames Valley Police and the Royal Household. The reason for the designation is that the site was previously in use by non-protected tenants. So the designation of land and property was not needed.
“By the relocation of a protected principal residing at the Forest Lodge site, it reflects its use as part of the wider Crown Land within Windsor and therefore is appropriate to afford this site the same protection as other Crown properties designated under section 128 of the SOCPA 2005.”
