By Molly Claire Goddard
4:03pm PST, Jan 5, 2026
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According to former head of royal protection
Dai Davies, the security fence recently installed around Forest Lodge is vital despite allegedly making neighbors mad. "This is a question of priorities. The safety of the heir to the throne [
Prince William] is the highest priority imaginable," he told
DailyMail.com.
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Despite complaints that locals are now unable to walk their dogs in the space, Dai Davies ensured the measure isn't because the royals are acting entitled. "Any suggestion that the family's need for privacy played a significant part in the decision is, in my view, so wide of the mark as to be laughable," he said.
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"It's understandable that ramblers, dog walkers and some neighbors are peeved that the land in Windsor Great Park that was previously open to all is now fenced off," Dai Davies said. "But their right to roam is not more important than the royal family's need for protection from terrorists and others intent on doing them harm."
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Prince William, Kate Middleton,
Prince George,
Princess Charlotte and
Prince Louis relocated to their "forever home" in November. "The new house marks a new era for the family," a source told
Us Weekly. "The decision to move into this new home is a significant one that signals independence, though it is not entirely surprising."
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In the months following, multiple neighbors complained about the security measures keeping them from walking their pets. "We appreciate the need for privacy, but it's a real shame. We are absolutely gutted," one anonymous local told
DailyMail.com about the fence. "They say you can use other gates, but you can't because there's nowhere to park. We've lived here for 20 years, it's lovely in there."
