The late Queen Elizabeth had multiple properties all over the UK, the most notable being the Windsor Estate where she grew up.
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The Windsor Estate
The late Queen Elizabeth II made Windsor Castle her permanent residence at the beginning of the pandemic. My Londonreports that Windsor held a 'special place in the Queen's heart'. It is where she grew up with her parents and sister, Princess Margaret.
Many royal family members live on the Windsor Estate. Prince William and Princess Catherine and their three children recently moved to Adelaide Cottage. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle occupy Frogmore Cottage when they are in the UK. And Prince Andrew lives in the late monarch's childhood home: Royal Lodge.
However, there is a residence on the estate that the Queen has never lived in and hasn't had a Royal tenant since 1976, according to My London. Although, The Mirror reports that Prince William and Princess Catherine considered the property when they were house hunting.
The 'forgotten castle' that changed history
Fort Belvedere, located in Windsor Great Park, was built between 1750 and 1755 for Prince William Augustus. Queen Victoria used 'The Fort' as a tea house and opened it to the public in the 1960s, per The Mirror. But Fort Belvedere is renowned for a much more significant historical event.
In 1929, Prince Edward called it home. The then-Prince of Wales reportedly spent £21,000 (£1.49 million today) renovating the place. It is also allegedly where Prince Edward fell in love with Wallis Simpson, a twice-divorced American.
Upon the death of King George V in January 1936, Prince Edward became king. However, Express reveals that King Edward VIII's desire to marry his a twice-divorcee experienced opposition from the Church. Ultimately, His Majesty decided to abdicate. King Edward VIII signed his written abdication notice at The Fort. His reign lasted only 325 days.
It is common knowledge that Britain's longest-reigning monarch was never meant to have been Queen. The moment that changed the course of the late Queen Elizabeth's life happened at Fort Belvedere.
Sources used:
- My London: 'The Queen's home she never lived in but something that changed her life forever' happened there
- The Mirror: 'Queen's forgotten castle that she's never lived in - but Kate and Wills could move in'
- Royal.uk: 'Edward VIII (Jan-Dec 1936)'
- Royal.uk: 'Early life and education'
- Express: 'Fort Belvedere: The forgotten royal residence of King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson'
Read more:
⋙ Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip: How did they meet?
⋙ Here's why Queen Elizabeth II's handbag was essential for her, according to royal insiders
