Prince William and Kate Middleton are preparing to move into Forest Lodge, a Georgian mansion within Windsor Great Park. The property is intended to serve as their long-term family base. But the decision has provoked anger among locals after a large exclusion zone was imposed around the estate.The restricted area spans about 150 acres and is enclosed by a 2.3-mile perimeter. Access points that residents have used for decades are now closed. Security fences, cameras, tree cover and privacy screens are being set up to prevent outsiders from approaching or viewing the royal property.While royal security is always a sensitive subject, the changes have reignited the long-standing debate in Britain about how much public space should be restricted for the benefit of the monarchy.
What changed on the ground
- Cranbourne Gate, a popular entrance used by local dog walkers and cyclists, has been permanently shut despite residents paying for annual passes to use it.
- Gates at Sandpit Gate, Woodend Gate and South Forest have also been closed to the public.
- The restrictions are legally enforced under Section 128 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005, making entry without permission a criminal offence.
Security measures now include fencing, round-the-clock surveillance, and tree planting to increase privacy.
For many in the Windsor area, the change means longer journeys, blocked walking routes and the loss of familiar open spaces.
Voices of frustration
Locals have expressed deep disappointment at the speed and scale of the restrictions. Many say they were given little notice.“We have walked our dogs here for 20 years. To be told we cannot anymore feels like a kick in the teeth,” said one resident.“We pay for the park through passes and maintenance. Now part of it is closed off without much explanation,” another added.At the same time, some community members recognise the security needs of the Prince and Princess of Wales.“It is frustrating, but they are high-profile figures. I can understand why their team wants maximum protection.”Officials have responded by stressing that the restricted area represents a very small portion of Windsor Great Park, which stretches across thousands of acres.
Windsor Great Park: history and symbolism
The dispute matters because Windsor Great Park is not just a green space. The park has been a royal hunting ground, ceremonial site and public space for centuries. It covers more than 5,000 acres and attracts walkers, cyclists and tourists from across the world.Historically, the park was the preserve of monarchs and aristocrats. Over time, large sections were opened to the public. That shift helped reinforce the royal family’s image of accessibility and connection with ordinary citizens. Restrictions on routes and entrances, therefore, can feel like a reversal of that tradition.
A pattern of royal security clashes
This is not the first time royal security has clashed with public rights.
- When William and Kate moved to Adelaide Cottage in 2022, additional security measures drew concern from nearby residents.
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s tenure at Frogmore Cottage also led to debates about security funding and access limitations.
- Buckingham Palace itself has seen long-running disputes over traffic restrictions, public protests and the balance between safety and visibility.
These examples show the tension between maintaining strong protective boundaries and keeping the royal family connected with the public.
Why this row matters beyond Windsor
Privacy versus public accessHigh-profile figures require extraordinary security. But the closure of traditional paths inside Windsor Great Park strikes at a larger issue: how much public land should be sacrificed to protect the royals.Local impactThe changes affect everyday life. Dog walkers have to reroute, cyclists face longer journeys and some residents feel they have lost the value of annual passes.Image of the monarchyThe royals are under pressure to maintain public support in a changing Britain. Moves that look like exclusion can feed a narrative of distance at a time when the family tries to show relatability and modern relevance.William and Kate are expected to move into Forest Lodge later this year. Whether the protests subside or continue will depend on how officials manage local anger. Some campaigners want partial access restored. Others demand compensation for residents who paid for now-useless passes.For the royal couple, the controversy is a reminder that every move they make is scrutinised not just for security, but also for its impact on communities. Windsor Great Park may remain largely open, but the row over Forest Lodge shows that even small areas of exclusion can cause outsized debate in Britain and abroad.
