Kensington Palace is a royal residence located in Kensington Gardens, situated to the west of Hyde Park. The palace has a rich history, having served as the residence of many members of the royal family throughout the centuries.
The palace was originally built in the 17th century as a mansion for Sir George Coppin. However, in 1689, King William III and Queen Mary II purchased the palace and began a series of renovations and additions to make it into a royal residence. The palace has undergone several renovations and additions throughout the centuries to accommodate the changing needs of the royal family.
One of the most notable residents of Kensington Palace was Queen Victoria, who lived there from her birth in 1819 until her ascension to the throne in 1837. The palace was also the childhood home of Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II.
Today, Kensington Palace serves as one of the residences of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Catherine Middleton. The palace is also open to the public, and visitors can explore the palace’s state apartments, exhibits on the royal family, and the palace gardens.
The palace’s state apartments feature a collection of paintings, furniture, and other decorative items that were once owned by the royal family. Visitors can also see the King’s Gallery, which was used by King William III as a drawing room and is now used as a exhibition space.
Kensington Palace also was the residence of Princess Diana, known as the Princess of Wales, from 1981 until her death in 1997. After her marriage to Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, in 1981, Princess Diana moved into Apartment 8 of Kensington Palace with her husband and their two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.
During her time at Kensington Palace, Princess Diana made the palace her own, redecorating and personalizing her living spaces. She also used the palace as a base for her charitable work, often hosting events and meetings there.
On the 1st of july 2021 a statue of princess Diana with her two sons Harry and William was unveiled. This date would have been her 60th birthday. The statue can be found in the Sunken Gardens. The Sunken Gardens are featuring a variety of colorful flowers and plants that bloom throughout the year. Entry to the Sunken Gardens is free.
Overall, Kensington Palace is a must-see destination for history buffs and those interested in the British royal family. It offers a glimpse into the rich history of the palace and the lives of the royal family, as well as the chance to explore its beautiful gardens.
opening times
see for actual opening times this website
how do you get there?
underground stations Queensway or Notting Hill Gate