Prince William and Princess Catherine’s move to Forest Lodge angers locals due to security detail

Prince William and Princess Catherine have officially moved into their new home, but new security measures surrounding the mansion have left some locals frustrated, calling the changes a “kick in the teeth”.

The royals reportedly relocated to Forest Lodge with their three children over the school holidays and are now settling into what is believed to be their forever home.

While the prospect of royal neighbours has excited many, some locals have expressed concern over the restricted access and security measures put in place in preparation for the family’s arrival.

Originally built in the 1770s, Forest Lodge is a Georgian-era mansion within Windsor Great Park.

While the manor itself sits in a private part of the park, changes to surrounding public areas has caused some anger.

In September, The Sun reported CCTV cameras, large fencing and landscaping were installed to deter trespassers from the eight-bedroom mansion.

The estate covers around 370 acres with a 3.7 km perimeter, reportedly signposted to warn people not to enter.

At the time, contractors were seen driving a post into the ground with a notice.

“Due to the pending designation of part of the Great Park as an exclusion area, access via Cranbourne Gate will permanently cease,” it read.

Some locals were frustrated by the disruption, with one woman saying she had been walking her dog in the area for 20 years.

“To be told we can’t any more is a kick in the teeth,” she told The Sun.

“We pay annually towards the upkeep of a park, but we are no longer going to be allowed to use part of it.

“Now I’ll need to get in my car to drive further afield to take my dog for a walk.”

While some residents were annoyed, others accepted the royals required this level of security.

“Obviously it’s disappointing as my dog loves it here,” another local 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.”

William and Catherine first moved their home base from Kensington Palace in London to Adelaide Cottage three years ago, so Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis could be closer to Lambrook School.

The move to Windsor also placed them nearer Catherine’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, who are hands-on grandparents.

They also maintain homes at Anmer Hall in Norfolk, where they spend much of the school holidays, while their offices remain at Kensington Palace.

Any work carried out at Forest Lodge will be funded privately by the Prince and Princess of Wales, who will also pay market rent on the property, BBC reported.

Forest Lodge is expected to become the family’s permanent home and will remain so when William eventually becomes king.