Privacy is King: Why Prince William Didn't Let Eugene Levy Film at Adelaide Cottage
Prince William recently opened up in an exclusive and surprisingly candid interview with Hollywood actor Eugene Levy for Levy's Apple TV+ series, The Reluctant Traveler. But here’s where it gets interesting—although Adelaide Cottage is just a stone’s throw away, the conversation took place not in William’s cozy four-bedroom home but at the grand Windsor Castle. So, why did the Prince of Wales decide against welcoming the Schitt’s Creek star into his private residence? Let’s dive into the reasons behind this choice.
Protecting Family Privacy Above All Else
Central to Prince William’s decision is his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the privacy of his young family: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Adelaide Cottage, while close and comfortable, remains a strongly guarded private sanctuary. Unlike official royal venues, the cottage is not open to the press or public, nor does William hold formal duties or meetings there. This ensures a genuine home environment where his children can grow up away from the spotlight. Instead of blending personal and professional life in that intimate setting, Prince William prefers to carry out his official engagements at Windsor Castle—the historic royal residence he chose for hosting Eugene Levy’s interview. And this naturally came with a truly majestic backdrop and a VIP tour.
The Irresistible Appeal of the Castle
When a celebrity visits royalty, the expectation is often to experience the grandeur of royal life, which walking through a centuries-old castle unquestionably delivers. Windsor Castle isn’t just any royal residence; it is the world’s oldest and largest still-inhabited castle, boasting over 1,000 rooms. The sheer scale and historical significance make it a fitting and impressive location to film an intimate conversation, clearly adding depth and gravitas to the experience.
Fond Memories and Stories from the Castle Walls
During their stroll through the stunning St George’s Hall, Prince William shared warm and relatable childhood anecdotes about running around the castle’s ancient oak floors—though not without some mishaps! He confessed that he and his cousins often ended up with "massive splinters" before the hall was carpeted. In contrast, he said, "My children don’t realise how lucky they are—they have big old carpets to run down with no splinters." The prince also revealed that he and his family sometimes sneak into the castle after hours for playful chases, giving a rare glimpse of royal life that feels endearingly normal.
William further reminisced about the wonderful times spent there with his grandparents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. He fondly described visiting them for what he called "the best tea ever," highlighting the late Queen’s renowned hospitality. Prince Edward’s wife, Sophie, has also shared that tea at Windsor Castle was often a much-cherished tradition.
A New Chapter: Prince William’s Upcoming Move
Looking ahead, Prince William and his family plan to move from Adelaide Cottage to a much larger residence, Forest Lodge. This change promises more space and comfort, but true to form, they are expected to maintain a high level of privacy. The new home is currently undergoing extensive renovations, not only to modernize the interior but also to strengthen security measures, ensuring the family’s safety and seclusion.
Tensions with Neighbors and Changes Nearby
The expansion and security updates have not been without controversy. Local residents have expressed frustration following the permanent closure of a car park providing gate access to Windsor Great Park. According to reports from The Sun, an official order stated: "Due to the pending designation of part of the Great Park as an exclusion area, access via Cranbourne Gate will permanently cease." This decision has stirred debate around the balance between royal privacy and public access.
So here’s the question: Should members of the royal family prioritize their privacy so strictly, even if it affects neighbors and public spaces? Or do you believe more openness would benefit everyone? Share your thoughts below—this is a topic that often divides opinions, and your voice matters!
