Prince William, Kate Pare Down Home Arrangements To Lessen 'Burden On UK Taxpayers'

As a way of reportedly lessening the costs of being part of the monarchy and being closer to where the Queen lives, Prince William and his wife Kate on Wednesday were confirmed to be moving into Adelaide Cottage near Windsor Castle with their family.

Prince William and Kate’s move to Adelaide Cottage has been rumored for a while, largely due to the Queen’s health and the family wanting to be closer to the monarch. But it is believed that a move into Adelaide Cottage–a four-bedroom home–might make William and his family more approachable to the public, according to Marie Claire.

“Kate and William were very keen for a modest home to start their new lives in Windsor,” a source close to the couple said. “Adelaide Cottage fits the bill because it is a four-bedroom home and they do not need any more as they have no live-in staff.”

The property was reportedly the most economical of the choices given to William and Kate, especially as other options like Frogmore House would require them to ask the government for money to help with renovations on the estate, the New York Post reported.

“They were 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,” the source said.

The area was built for King William IV’s wife, Queen Adelaide in 1831, and was famously inhabited by the former lover of Princess Margaret, Peter Townsend, in the past when he worked as King George VI’s equerry.

William and Kate hope that the home, for which they will require no live-in staff to accommodate them, will allow them to be more relatable to the public as anti-monarchist sentiment continues to grow in the United Kingdom.

“They will pay rent from their private account,” the source said. “All they need to do is move in some of their treasured furniture and possessions. The whole family is looking forward to moving in this summer and starting a new chapter in their lives together in Windsor.”