Prince and Princess of Wales Spark Fury With ‘No-Go Zone’ Around New Mansion That Bars Locals From Parts of Public Park

The Prince and Princess of Wales' relocation to their "forever home" has run into a hurdle in the form of bitter upset among locals who have voiced fury over the extensive security measures being implemented around the property—which have turned parts of a once-public park into a "no-go zone."

It was first reported in August that Prince William and Princess Kate would be relocating from their longtime Windsor residence, Adelaide Cottage, to a historic eight-bedroom property nearby, with royal sources claiming that the couple plan to live in the new property even after they become King and Queen.

According to the BBC, the couple were hopeful that the move would give them a chance to "start a new chapter" after a difficult 18 months during which Kate, 43, and King Charles were both diagnosed with cancer.

"Windsor has become their home. However, over the last few years, while they have lived at Adelaide Cottage, there have been some really difficult times," an insider said.

"Moving gives them an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter. It's an opportunity to leave some of the more unhappy memories behind."

However, their desire to carve out a happy home for themselves and their children—Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7—has caused some discontent among their fellow Windsor residents, who have voiced upset over the impact the Wales' relocation has had on one of their most beloved local amenities: Windsor Great Park.

In a bid to ramp up security around the family's new abode, Forest Lodge, which is located in the park, a large "no-go zone" has been created around the property—which spans a 2.3-mile perimeter and includes about 150 acres of land, according to The Times.

Fences have been erected along part of this zone, while trespassers have been warned they will be arrested if they venture inside the "exclusion area."

The news came as a shock to Windsor residents, many of whom used part of the area for dog walking—and say they were given only a few days' notice about the changes to public zoning, despite the fact that several of them pay around $150 a year to use a car park that is now closed.

Some agreed that ensuring the safety of the Wales family is "paramount," but admitted that they can't help but feel disappointed at their restricted access to an area that was once freely open to all.

"Obviously, it’s disappointing as my dog loves it here," Tom Bunn, 32, who regularly walked his dog, Mr. Brown, near Forest Lodge, told The Sun.

"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."

Another woman added: "Many of us have been walking our dogs here for 20 years so to be told we can’t any more 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 for ever. Now I’ll need to get in my car to drive further afield to take my dog for a walk."

Other measures have also been taken to ensure ample safety and privacy for Kate, William, and their children at the home.

These include the planting of several new trees around Forest Lodge, as well as the installation of multiple security cameras that can now be seen in various spots near the dwelling.

Though the news of the restrictions may have come as a "kick in the teeth" to some, William and Kate are said to be eagerly settling into their new home, while their three children continue their education at the nearby Lambrook School.

Insiders told the BBC that the Prince and Princess of Wales view the property as a long-term home—noting that they plan to live there until William ascends to the throne.

The duo are believed to have funded the move privately and will pay market rent for the dwelling, which underwent a $2 million renovation in 2001, before being put on the rental market for $20,300 a month.

Recent estimates put the value of the property at around $21.6 million.

It's not known exactly what William and Kate will be charged to lease the property. However, any work that is carried out on the home ahead of their move will be paid for by the couple and not the taxpayer.

Renovations are understood to have already taken place at the opulent dwelling, which was built in the 1770s and expanded in the early 1900s.

Redacted planning applications that were filed with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead—and approved earlier this month—show that the couple were permitted to make minor changes to the interior and exterior, according to the BBC.

The plans also included the removal of a window and renovations to an existing fireplace.

The dwelling will certainly provide much more space for the Wales family than their current home, which has just four bedrooms and offers far fewer luxury amenities than Forest Lodge, which features a ballroom and a tennis court on its lush grounds.

Images taken during the 2001 renovation show that extensive work was done to modernize the historic home, which is a Grade II Listed Building.

This work included ripping up the floorboards in several rooms, although reports at the time noted that great care was being given to maintaining its "fine period detail."

Historic touches include original stonework, elaborate plaster cornices and ceiling decoration, exquisite marble fireplaces, Venetian windows, and a half-barrel vaulted hallway ceiling.

The couple do not plan to alter their current lifestyle after moving into the home, sources insist, noting that William and Kate will not hire any live-in staff, in keeping with their low-key approach to family life at Adelaide Cottage.

Kate and William have their own property in Norfolk, Anmer Hall, which is located on the grounds of Sandringham, and which they primarily use as a summer and weekend retreat for their family.