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Prince William has reportedly been barred from using his e-scooter within the grounds of Windsor Great Park.
William and Kate Middleton are said to have settled into the Grade II-listed Forest Lodge, located on the vast 4,800-acre Berkshire estate, after moving out of their previous home at Adelaide Cottage last year.
The couple have reportedly embraced the Georgian property as their long-term family base, hoping it will offer a fresh chapter for their three children — Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and seven-year-old Prince Louis.
However, despite the eight-bedroom home being a clear upgrade on their previous residence — with Forest Lodge offering double the space of Adelaide Cottage — there appears to be one small downside for the future King.
Regulations governing the royal park state that e-scooters, William’s preferred way of getting around, are “not permitted” within the grounds “for safety reasons and traffic management.”
As a result, he is no longer able to zip around on his two-wheeler, something he was previously able to do while living on the separate Windsor Castle estate, around four miles away.
An insider told The Sun that “William used to love his e-scooter to get around the castle as there was no ban. But of course he’s more than happy and prepared to adhere to the rules on e-scooters in Windsor Great Park.”
It first emerged in July 2023 that the father of three had bought an electric scooter to help him get around more efficiently, using it to shorten the three-mile journey when visiting his father, King Charles III.
The Prince, well known for his environmental interests, has frequently been seen opting for eco-friendly transport while carrying out his royal duties.
Royal fans were particularly amused in July 2024 when William was spotted cruising around a Berkshire royal residence on an e-scooter. Footage shared on social media showed him dressed casually in a blue jumper layered over a white shirt, paired with black trousers and sunglasses, gliding along with ease.
He was later seen using the same mode of transport again in October, this time to greet actor Eugene Levy during filming for his Apple TV+ series The Reluctant Traveler. In the clip, William smoothly rode up on the scooter before stopping and stepping off in front of the host, prompting laughter from Levy.
This is your mode of transport? Eugene asked, to which the Prince replied that it was when he was on the grounds.
Eugene then admitted, I have a very low threshold for adventure so I’ve actually never been on one.
William responded with a smile, saying, It gets around nicely, it’s quite fun.
The Wales family had originally intended to remain at the cosy four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage for many years, but their time there became overshadowed by painful associations, including the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
A source said that Adelaide Cottage really does have some difficult memories associated with it, sadly, adding that they experienced some of their most challenging moments there. The family are really happy about the move and excited for a fresh start.
One of the main reasons Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton, relocated their family from London to Windsor in the summer of 2022 was to spend more time with the late Queen during the final years of her life.
Tragically, she passed away just weeks later, on September 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle. Now, the family feel firmly settled on the historic Berkshire estate and have decided to make it their long-term, forever home.
