Princess Kate’s New Home, Forest Lodge, Is The Perfect Setting For Her Favorite Outdoor Hobby

A photograph of the Princess of Wales next to an aerial shot of Forest Lodge, her new home.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Prince William and Princess Kate’s new home, Forest Lodge, comes with a few upgrades from their previous family home. From double the bedrooms to a reported ballroom, the Prince and Princess of Wales have plenty of indoor space. Princess Kate might be particularly excited about their outdoor amenities, including a private lake on their expansive estate.

During a 2023 episode of Mike Tindall’s podcast, The Good, The Bad, & The Rugby, Princess Kate shared her love of outdoor swimming. “The colder, the better,” the princess told podcast listeners. “I absolutely love it. Slightly to the point where William's saying 'You're crazy' and it's dark and it's raining.” With her new private lake, she won’t have to travel too far for her chilly swims.

The Princess of Wales stands in the woods, sharing a message for World Cancer Day — The Princess of Wales on a cold winters day, sharing a message for World Cancer Day to connect with nature.

The land surrounding Forest Lodge in Windsor — An aerial look at Forest Lodge, including the private lake.

Cold water swimming has become increasingly popular, with many adding the outdoor hobby to their New Years Resolutions. Ali Phillips, who teaches wild swimming in the Lake District, told Hello “cold water therapy gives us a chance to switch off.”

"Once you're immersed in the cold water, you are fully in that experience and forget about everything else," Phillips said. "Although cold water therapy is not prescribed as medicine, people are encouraged to take part if they suffer from mental health issues." Princess Kate is passionate about positive mental health, and taking steps to support mental health through outdoor experiences.

Much of Princess Kate's cancer update video was set in the woods. — Princess Kate has emphasized the importance of connecting with nature.

“Through greater awareness of our inner and outer worlds, we can find clarity and purpose in what matters most, encouraging us to simply pay attention and listen,” Princess Kate said in her seasonal Autumn video. “With the turning of the seasons, Mother Nature teaches us there's beauty to be found in change, impermanence and in letting go.”

Christine Ross is a freelancer writer, royal expert, broadcaster and podcaster. She's worked with news outlets including the BBC, Glamour, Talk TV, ET, PBS, CNN and 20/20 to cover the foremost royal events of the last decade, from Prince George’s birth to the coronation of King Charles III.

She previously served as co-host of Royally Us, a weekly royal podcast by Us Weekly. As a freelance writer and royal commentator she provides expert commentary, historical context and fashion analysis about royal families worldwide, with an emphasis on the British Royal Family.