The Prince and Princess of Wales will be settling back into a routine at their Windsor home in the coming weeks, after a long hot summer off with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. This new season brings a big change, with their eldest off to boarding school, but it also brings with it a warning about the neighbouring fields around their property, Forest Lodge.
The family are lucky enough to be situated within the stunning landscape of Windsor Great Park, which boasts benefits such as meadows, lakes, ponds and forests all within 15,800 acres of land. The area is teaming with wildlife, including deer, and that’s why this time of year carries a warning. Deer rutting (also known as deer breeding) happens in the autumn, and users of the park are warned about the wild animals that have been known to “fight for territory”. The season usually runs from September to November.
© Getty ImagesPeople are advised to follow these simple rules when using the area: “Keep to the main tracks. Dogs must be kept on a short lead and under close control at all times. Keep your distance – binoculars or a long-range lens are essential. Do not approach or follow the deer.”
We know that the Wales family love to spend time in nature, so there’s no doubt that they do utilise the nearby greenery, and will likely be very aware of these important guidelines. Prince William once joked: “Louis just enjoys playing outside the whole time – he lives outside.”
© Getty ImagesOther dangers at Windsor Great Park
There’s another potential danger that’s hidden within the park, and that’s ticks, which are active all year round. There is an entire page on the Great Windsor Park website dedicated to warning people about the presence of ticks and potential dangers they pose.
It reads: “These parasites sustain themselves by latching onto larger animals and consuming their blood. The UK is home to various tick species, some of which carry bacteria capable of transmitting diseases to humans and dogs. Although active throughout the year, you are most likely to see them between spring and autumn.”
© Getty ImagesThe team’s advice about how to avoid the parasites includes “sticking to footpaths and avoiding walking through dense vegetation,” as well as “tucking trousers into socks” to minimise exposed skin.
Both Prince William and Princess Kate grew up spending lots of time outdoors in the British countryside, so they are likely to be well versed in the pitfalls of life outside. But Princess Kate in particular has been keen to highlight the restorative impact that time in nature has had for her. When the royal marked Mental Health Awareness Week in 2025, she said: “Over the past year, nature has been my sanctuary. The natural world’s capacity to inspire us, to nurture us and help us heal and grow is boundless and has been understood for generations.”
