Catherine and Prince William pose outside their 'forever home' before Ascot outing

The Prince and Princess of Wales have offered royal fans a rare glimpse of life at their new Windsor home after sharing a previously unseen photograph taken before they departed for Royal Ascot today.

Posting on their official social media accounts on Wednesday evening, the couple shared an image of themselves standing outside Forest Lodge, their private residence in Windsor Great Park, ahead of the second day of the famous racing festival.

Alongside the photograph, they wrote: "A wonderful day at Royal Ascot. W & C."

The sign-off is significant, as the initials indicate the message was written personally by William and Catherine rather than members of their communications team.

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The image shows the royal couple moments before leaving for Ascot, where they later joined King Charles and Queen Camilla in the traditional Royal Procession.

Catherine wore a striking sunshine-yellow dress by Roksanda paired with a matching wide-brimmed Jane Taylor hat, while Prince William coordinated with a yellow boutonnière pinned to his morning suit.

The colour-coordinated appearance drew widespread attention throughout the day as the couple made their first joint Royal Ascot appearance since 2023.

While royal engagements often provide glimpses of members of the Royal Family arriving at official events, photographs taken outside the Waleses' private home remain relatively rare.

The post also offered another look at Forest Lodge, the Georgian mansion that became the family's principal residence following their move from Adelaide Cottage.

William and Catherine moved into the property with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis during the autumn of 2025, viewing it as a long-term family base close to Windsor and their children's schools.

Formerly known as Holly Grove, Forest Lodge is a Grade II-listed property situated within Windsor Great Park.

The historic house dates back to the 18th century and features eight bedrooms, extensive grounds and separate accommodation for staff.

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The property underwent substantial refurbishment before the Wales family moved in.

The home has increasingly become the backdrop to the family's private life. Earlier this year, Prince William made a rare reference to Forest Lodge during an engagement in north London, joking about the prospect of hosting visitors at the property.

Wednesday's social media update came after a busy week of royal engagements for the Prince and Princess of Wales.

The couple attended Trooping the Colour on Saturday before appearing together at Garter Day celebrations in Windsor on Monday.

Their Royal Ascot appearance marked another milestone in Catherine's return to a full public schedule.

The princess had not attended the Berkshire racing festival since 2023 and missed last year's meeting while recovering from cancer treatment.

During the day, William and Catherine travelled in the second carriage of the Royal Procession alongside the Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon before joining fellow guests in the Royal Box.

Prince William was also scheduled to present the trophy for the Prince of Wales's Stakes.

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