Prince William and Princess Kate are reportedly set to see tighter protection measures introduced near their home at Kensington Palace. According to Hello!, new plans involve upgraded security outside the residence, where the couple still keep Apartment 1A as their London base. While the family moved to Windsor in 2022, the palace remains an important stop for official duties in the capital. The latest proposal comes as parts of the wider property have already been undergoing restoration and maintenance work in recent months.
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Prince William and Kate Keep Apartment 1A in London
The Prince and Princess of Wales may now spend most of their time in Windsor, but their Kensington Palace residence still plays a key role in royal life. Apartment 1A has long served as their city home and is used when engagements bring them back to London. Despite its modest name, the residence is far larger than a standard apartment, with 20 rooms including reception spaces, main bedrooms and staff quarters. It has been central to the couple’s public and private life for more than a decade.
Kensington Palace Faces New Vehicle Barrier Plans
The reported changes focus on security outside the palace grounds. Daily Mail reports that the Crown Estate is seeking planning permission to install temporary vehicle barriers, while also pursuing longer-term steps for "hostile vehicle mitigation". The move suggests that current arrangements have been judged outdated and in need of improvement. The occasion marks another update for the historic royal residence, where restoration work has also included attention to the famous golden gates at the front of the palace.
William and Kate’s Homes Have Changed Over the Years
The Wales family’s living arrangements have shifted several times since their marriage. Early on, they were based in Anglesey while Prince William worked as an RAF search and rescue pilot, with Nottingham Cottage serving as their London address. They moved into Apartment 1A in 2013, then later spent time at Anmer Hall in Norfolk between 2015 and 2017. After relocating from London in 2022, they lived at Adelaide Cottage before settling in Forest Lodge in Windsor with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Royal Security Rules Differ Across the Family
Security arrangements vary sharply across the monarchy. King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Kate and their three children receive round-the-clock protection from Scotland Yard funded by the taxpayer. Other working royals, including Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie, are protected during official duties rather than full time. Prince Harry has continued to challenge changes made after stepping back from royal duties. "He has said the decision to remove his security means he feels he cannot bring his family to the UK safely," according to Hello!.
