Health hazard warning issued near Princess Kate and Prince William’s Windsor home

The Prince and Princess of Wales moved to Adelaide Cottage in 2022

Princess Kate and Prince William have been alerted to a significant health hazard at their Windsor residence, with oak processionary moth infestations spreading through Windsor Great Park.

The 4,800-acre estate, which borders their family home, Adelaide Cottage, has become host to these invasive insects.

The species poses particular dangers during the summer months.

The Windsor Great Park website recently posted an article, stating: “The hairs of the OPM caterpillars are a defence mechanism containing a chemical that when touched, can cause skin rashes, eye irritations and respiratory problems in humans and animals.”

Health hazard warning issued near Princess Kate and Prince William’s Windsor home.

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The warning affects the Wales family directly, given their proximity to the infested parkland.

The oak processionary moths were accidentally introduced to Britain in 2005 and were first identified in Windsor Great Park in 2018. The caterpillars are most active between May and July, precisely when their toxic hairs pose the greatest threat.

These defensive hairs contain chemicals that trigger adverse reactions upon contact with skin. The insects have established themselves as an invasive species across the parkland.

The timing is particularly concerning as summer approaches, with the caterpillar activity period coinciding with when families typically spend more time outdoors.

The Windsor Great Park website shared a warning aboutoak processionary moths.

Windsor Great Park website

The moths’ presence has transformed sections of the historic royal park into areas requiring heightened caution.

Park authorities have issued specific guidance for visitors, advising them to avoid caterpillars and their nests entirely. The Windsor Great Park website recommends visitors “avoid spending prolonged time under trees during the months of May to July”.

Pet owners face additional concerns, as dogs can suffer harm from the toxic hairs. Keeping dogs on leads near oak trees has been suggested as a precautionary measure.

The health warnings present challenges for the Wales family, known for their love of outdoor activities. The proximity of the infestation to Adelaide Cottage means heightened vigilance is required during the peak caterpillar season.

Princess Kate and Prince William moved their family to Adelaide Cottage in 2022.PA

Windsor Castle is located within the Crown Estate.PAAdelaide Cottage, built in 1831 for Queen Adelaide, serves as the family’s private retreat from London life. The property features a distinctive pastel pink exterior and historical details including French windows, multiple fireplaces and nautical-themed decorations.

The four-bedroom residence represents a downsizing from their Kensington Palace accommodation.

Royal commentator Robert Hardman notes the couple are “extremely happy” in their Windsor home, with a royal official revealing: “They are there as a family with total privacy and without lots of staff.”

The move reflects their desire for a more ordinary family life whilst maintaining their royal duties.