Kate Middleton and Prince William's 'plans for secret home' that is vital for her recovery

Kate Middleton and Prince William are reportedly planning a secret home transformation, which is said to be crucial for her recovery process. The Royal pair are reported to be considering renovations and extensions to a lesser-known redbrick annexe next to their Adelaide Cottage residence in Windsor.

The family, who moved to the Berkshire estate in late summer 2022, currently split their time between the four-bedroom cottage and their beloved Anmer Hall retreat on the Sandringham Estate.

Adelaide Cottage's proximity to Lambrook School, where Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis study, makes it an ideal location. However, insiders suggest the family are contemplating plans to expand a currently vacant annexe to aid the princess' recovery, reports the Mirror.

This decision comes with its own set of challenges, as sources indicate that the Prince of Wales is "conscious of public scrutiny" over Royal expenditure and is cautiously opting to personally fund the costs.

"They [William and Kate] absolutely adore Adelaide Cottage, but it just about fits the entire family, whereas Anmer Hall is much larger with extensive grounds," a source disclosed to OK!.

"Adelaide Cottage is being used as a term time property while the children are at school nearby and Anmer Hall is for long weekends and holidays."

Insiders have revealed plans to renovate a dilapidated redbrick annexe at Adelaide Cottage, with the aim of transforming it into an ideal retreat for the Wales family and their staff. Although the project is currently on hold while the Princess of Wales focuses on her recovery, the plans are reportedly being kept warm in the background, ready to be activated when the time is right.

"Nobody knows that there is quite a spacious red-brick annexe building that's not being used next door to Adelaide Cottage," an insider revealed. "It's currently uninhabitable and needs extensive renovation works if it were to be used. Discussions have been ongoing for a while about using the property as part of the overall cottage grounds, but it's just about finding the right time to kick the project off."

The need for space is more than just a luxury; sources say it's crucial for Kate's path to wellness, providing her with a peaceful environment to manage the demands of her treatment. Anmer Hall is currently the top choice, due to its ample size and privacy.

Mindful of previous backlash over public funding, the Wales family is considering paying for the refurbishments of the Adelaide Cottage annexe themselves.

"William is very conscious of the public scrutiny over the Royal Family's spending habits, so he is looking at the best way to cover any renovation costs," a source disclosed. "It's a project that's very much been put on the back burner for now due to the family's unfortunate position, but it will be looked at again when the time is right."

Nestled within the Crown Estate's private 655-acre Royal park, Adelaide Cottage was first built in 1831 as a retreat for Queen Adelaide, the consort of King William IV. The residence saw extensive refurbishments in 2015 and features some truly lavish interior design elements.

Reports suggest that the master bedroom is particularly grand, with a ceiling decorated with gilded dolphins and intricate rope designs.

Following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding in 2018, there were whispers that they might choose Adelaide Cottage in Windsor as their new home. The couple was said to have been drawn to its seclusion and easy access to London.

Additionally, the location would be convenient for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, who are pupils at the nearby Lambrook School.

Representatives at Kensington Palace were approached by OK! for a comment.

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