Fort Belvedere, a part of the Crown Estate, is located at the southern end of Windsor Great Park on Shrubs Hill. Originally built in the 1750s by William, Duke of Cumberland, it was designed as a folly and summer house. The structure was later transformed into a mock castle by Sir Jeffry Wyatville in 1827, becoming known as Fort Belvedere. The property served various purposes over the years, including a residence for Edward VIII, who used it as his main retreat until his abdication in 1936. The Fort remained largely unused until it was leased in 1955 by the Hon. Gerald Lascelles, younger son of Henry Lascelles, 6th Earl of Harewood, and Mary, Princess Royal, who undertook significant renovations. The property has since changed hands several times and is currently held by the family of Canadian billionaire Galen Weston. The freehold remains with the Crown Estate, and the property may become a royal residence again when it reverts to the Crown in 2054.
21 August 2025
Fort Belvedere ~ the Home of Edward VIII
Fort Belvedere, a part of the Crown Estate, is located at the southern end of Windsor Great Park on Shrubs Hill. Originally built in the 1750s by William, Duke of Cumberland, it was designed as a folly and summer house. The structure was later transformed into a mock castle by Sir Jeffry Wyatville in 1827, becoming known as Fort Belvedere. The property served various purposes over the years, including a residence for Edward VIII, who used it as his main retreat until his abdication in 1936. The Fort remained largely unused until it was leased in 1955 by the Hon. Gerald Lascelles, younger son of Henry Lascelles, 6th Earl of Harewood, and Mary, Princess Royal, who undertook significant renovations. The property has since changed hands several times and is currently held by the family of Canadian billionaire Galen Weston. The freehold remains with the Crown Estate, and the property may become a royal residence again when it reverts to the Crown in 2054.
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