Fitted for a king

William and Kate preparing to move into 8-bed mansion this year

- BY JENNIFER NEWTON Deputy Royal Editor

These pictures reveal the work taking place on what has been dubbed the Prince and Princess of Wales' "forever home".

William and Kate plan to move into eight-bedroom Forest Lodge with their children later this year.

The Mirror's exclusive pictures show how extensive work to improve the property is in full swing, with new trees and hedgerows being planted, as well as new fences put up to improve privacy.

Scaffolding can also be seen around the house, while painters and decorators spruce up some of the rooms.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond says Forest Lodge, in Windsor Great Park, would be worth about £16million on the open market.

But William and Kate are said to be planning to pay market rent when they move in and are funding the renovations themselves rather than using public money. Jennie added: "By ordinary standards, it is, of course, pretty grand.