Christmas tree shopping in Windsor has taken an unexpected twist this year — and locals are definitely talking about it. What used to be a quick festive trip has turned into a surprising detour, all thanks to new security measures surrounding Prince William and Princess Kate’s recently occupied mansion.

For many in Windsor, hunting for the perfect Christmas tree this year has turned into an unexpected detour — and people are not happy. After the couple moved into Forest Lodge, the prestigious Georgian mansion now serving as their “forever home,” local authorities erected a strict security safety-zone around the property. Marie Claire+2LBC+2

That means shoppers heading to the nearby The Christmas Tree Shop — previously just a short drive from many homes — are being forced onto a one-mile detour. The temporary reroute is adding frustrating time to a trip that used to be simple, and some describe the new route as a real headache. LBC+1

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Locals say the change isn’t just inconvenient — it’s also causing safety concerns. One driver warned that the traffic cones marking the diversion had already led to a few “near-misses,” with some motorists reportedly swerving the wrong way to navigate the new route. Marie Claire+1

And it’s not just the drive-by access that’s stirred frustration. Security officers have been stationed in the Christmas Tree Shop’s parking lot to prevent shoppers from inadvertently encroaching on the estate — a move some feel is excessive given the festive nature of the shopping trip. LBC+1

For many longtime residents, the rerouting — and the heightened security presence — feel like a sign of how life has changed around the palace grounds. For others, it’s a stark reminder that even holiday traditions can be disrupted by royal protocol.

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