Prince William and Kate Middleton shun Queen’s ‘forgotten castle’ in favor of private mansions as Windsor house hunt continues

Prince William and Kate Middleton have abandoned plans to take over the Queen's 'forgotten castle' in Berkshire and are now looking at private residences ahead of their move to Windsor, sources have revealed. 

• Prince William and Kate Middleton have snubbed the Queen's 'forgotten castle' as a potential candidate for their new home ahead of their big Windsor move, according to inside sources. 
• The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are now reportedly looking at private properties in the area. 
• In other royal news, Prince Charles shows personal side as he and Duchess Camilla reflect on important month.
  

Prince William and Kate Middleton have decided not to move into the Queen's 'forgotten castle' in Berkshire and are now looking at private properties in the area instead, sources have claimed. 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are reportedly planning a permanent move to Windsor, where it's understood that they will be able to provide their three children, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte, with a normal upbringing away from the media's attention. 

The family of five currently lives in Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace, a 10-minute car journey from the royal headquarters of Buckingham Palace. Despite enjoying ample facilities on-site, Kate and William are said to be keen to give their energetic kids more outdoor space as they grow older. 

It's understood that the couple had initially been considering Fort Belvedere as a candidate for their new country abode, but have now snubbed the residence to look for private properties instead. 

The turreted 18th-century chateau, commonly known as the Queen's 'forgotten castle' within royal circles, is nestled within the grounds of Great Windsor Park and currently lies unoccupied. Remote yet still within an hour's commuting distance of London, it was likely tipped as a solid option for the Cambridge family due to its prime location. 

The stunning fort is also just a 15-minute drive from Windsor Castle, where the Queen now permanently resides. It's been speculated that Prince William, in particular, is keen to move closer to his grandmother following reports that Prince Andrew has been sidling up to the 95-year-old monarch ahead of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June. 

However, it's now understood that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have abandoned their plans to set up digs at the idyllic Fort Belvedere. 

According to sources, the couple has recently turned their focus to private properties in the Windsor area. It remains unknown whether or not any sales have been agreed upon, but by the looks of their previous lodgings, you can bet their new rural home isn't going to come cheap.