The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are said to be within weeks of signing a new real estate deal that would move them closer to the Queen.
Sources tell Woman’s Day exclusively that Prince William, 39, and Catherine, 40, are “anxious to make the move as soon as possible” as a sign of support to his 95-year-old great-grandmother, with friends revealing the couple “have their eye” on a piece of historic royal real estate.
“They’re very interested in taking over Cumberland Lodge,” says a source.
“It’s only a short drive from Windsor Castle, where the Queen is spending most of her time these days.”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are said to be moving closer to the Queen.
(Image: Getty)It was reported earlier this year that the Cambridges had made inquiries about Windsor’s Fort Belvedere, which is currently occupied.
Cumberland Lodge, a Grade II listed heritage building that currently houses charity offices, is a stone’s throw from the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park.
“It’s ideal for the Cambridges, who want to position themselves in a secure country home where the kids can have a normal upbringing out of the spotlight and that’s also close enough to London for their own work,” says a source.
“It’s been a plan of theirs for a while, so they can be all settled by the time Prince George is ready to attend Eton College, which is in the same area.
“But they’re speeding it all up because William and Kate are anxious to be closer to the Queen after her recent bout of ill health. They just need to find the right place, and Cumberland Lodge so far ticks all the boxes.”
The Queen is recovering from COVID, along with a sprained back and a mystery illness that saw her hospitalised overnight late last year.
This comes as she prepares to mark one year since her husband Prince Philip died at the age of 99 in April.
“The Queen needs some cheering up, and William and Kate know her great-grandkids [including Prince George, eight, Princess Charlotte, six, and Prince Louis, three] bring her so much joy,” says the source.
WATCH: Prince George sings ‘God Save The Queen’ at a rugby match. Story continues after video.
“Having them close by will give her a new lease on life. The Queen doesn’t do a lot of travelling these days, but she’s happy to drive around the Windsor area.
“Being able to pop in on Wills and the kids and vice versa will make her very happy. She can’t wait for her new neighbours to move in.”
Meanwhile shy Prince George is learning the ropes and his parents are already teaching him some valuable lessons about public life.
The youngster was seen alongside his parents at a Six Nations rugby match between England and Wales, where he was encouraged to chat with fellow sports fans.
“William and Kate took George out to shake hands and make small talk with other guests,” says a source. “He was a little nervous, but he did a great job.”
Prince George is learning the royal ropes.
(Image: Getty)Royal insiders say we’ll see plenty more of Prince George in the coming year, and he’ll be “front and centre” for Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June.
“William and Kate are being very mindful of how to ease him into public life,” says the insider.
“Just like his parents were, George is a naturally shy child, unlike his rather more boisterous siblings.
“They’re anxious to get him used to his role but not pile too much on him, which is why you’ll see him at events he enjoys, like rugby and soccer.”
