Prince William and Princess Kate’s palace home had ‘hazardous’ issue before they moved in

The Prince and Princess of Wales currently reside at Forest Lodge in Windsor, with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. They have lived there since November 2025, but they still retain their London base, Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace, to use when they are in the city. Before the royal couple first moved into the 20-room residence in 2013, it required extensive renovations – including the removal of a hazardous material.

 The renovations inside the property came to £600,000 and the roof repair cost £400,000, meaning a whopping £1 million was spent preparing the space for their arrival. It was last lived in by Princess Margaret and had not been refurbished since the early Sixties. During the process, experts were enlisted to clear asbestos in the home, a potentially dangerous substance.

 Gov.uk warns of the dangers of finding asbestos in your home. “All forms of asbestos fibers are hazardous as they can induce cancer following inhalation exposure,” it reads. However, they are clear to explain that “intact asbestos materials in a place where they are unlikely to be disturbed should not cause any harm” and that they are only a potential risk when they are damaged, which is why anyone renovating a changing a property should be cautious.

 Inside Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace

© Photo: Getty Images

 Do not be fooled by the ‘apartment’ name, as Apartment 1A is impressive in size – it actually takes up half a wing inside the palace, according to reports. It is made up of 20 different rooms, including five reception rooms, three main bedrooms, dressing rooms, a nursery, a gym, and separate staff quarters. During the King’s coronation, the family shared a glimpse into this private space, and it was just as regal as we imagined with ornate furniture and vintage accessories. 

Forest Lodge home

© Getty Images

 Last year the Wales family moved into Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom residence situated within the iconic Windsor Great Park. The Grade II-listed Georgian home was gutted in 2001 and underwent a full renovation. Then, ahead of the family moving in, the interior overhauled again. It is believed that work is still ongoing as Princess Kate let slip about mood boards during a recent meeting.

Moving to the countryside was a decision best for their family, with their love for the great outdoors. Princess Kate has admitted to The Mirror that she’s at her happiest “with my family outside in the countryside and we’re all filthy dirty”.