A Historic Royal Residence
Kensington Palace is a famous royal residence located in Kensington, London. This palace has a rich history and has been the home of many royal families over the centuries. It is currently the residence of several members of the royal family, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
The palace was built in the 17th century and was originally called Nottingham House. It was bought by William III and Mary II in 1689 and was expanded and renamed Kensington Palace. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and is open to the public, with certain parts of the palace being used for official royal functions.
William III and Mary II: The First Royal Residents
The first royal residents of Kensington Palace were William III and Mary II. They purchased the palace in 1689 and made extensive renovations to turn it into a suitable royal residence. They lived in Kensington Palace during their reign as joint monarchs of England, Scotland, and Ireland until Mary’s death in 1694. William continued to live at the palace until his death in 1702.
During their time at Kensington Palace, William and Mary converted the great hall into the grand staircase and created a new state bedchamber. They also commissioned the building of the Orangery, which still stands today and is now used as a restaurant and events space.
King George I: The Palace’s First Royal Owner
In 1714, Kensington Palace became the official residence of King George I, the first monarch from the House of Hanover. George I added to the palace, including the construction of the King’s Grand Staircase and the King’s Gallery. He also commissioned the creation of the gardens and the Long Water, which is still a prominent feature of the palace’s grounds.
George I’s son, George II, was also a resident of Kensington Palace. He and his wife, Queen Caroline, commissioned the creation of the Palace’s magnificent State Apartments, which are still used for official royal functions today.
Princess Diana: Her Home at Kensington Palace
One of the most famous residents of Kensington Palace was Princess Diana, who lived there with her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, from 1981 until her death in 1997. Diana had a suite of rooms at the palace, which she decorated to her personal style. After her death, the palace became a place of pilgrimage for her fans, and the gardens were transformed into a memorial garden in her honour.
Queen Victoria: A Long Reign at Kensington Palace
Queen Victoria was another famous resident of Kensington Palace. She was born there in 1819 and lived there until she became queen in 1837. Victoria returned to the palace in 1862 and lived there until her death in 1901. During her time at the palace, she made many renovations and improvements, including the creation of a new suite of rooms in the south wing.
Today, visitors can see the rooms where Victoria was born, as well as the suite of rooms where she lived as queen. There is also a statue of Victoria in the palace’s gardens, which was erected in her memory.
Prince William and Duchess Kate: Modern-Day Residents
Currently, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Duchess Kate, live at Kensington Palace with their three children. They have a suite of rooms at the palace, which they use as their London residence. William grew up at Kensington Palace, as did his brother Harry, and it holds a special place in their hearts.
William and Kate have made several renovations to their apartment at the palace, including the creation of a new garden. The palace is also the location of their official London office and is used for many official royal functions.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester: Senior Royals
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester are senior members of the royal family and currently live at Kensington Palace. They have a suite of rooms in the palace’s south wing, which they use as their London residence. The Duke is a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, and the couple carries out many official royal duties on behalf of the Queen.
Prince and Princess Michael of Kent: Private Tenants
Prince and Princess Michael of Kent are private tenants at Kensington Palace. They have a suite of rooms in the palace’s north west corner, which they use as their London residence. Prince Michael is a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, and the couple carries out many official royal duties.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: Former Residents
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle lived at Kensington Palace from 2018 until 2020, when they announced they would be stepping back as senior members of the royal family. During their time at the palace, they lived in a cottage on the grounds and carried out many official royal duties. After their departure, the cottage was renovated and is now the London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The Cambridges’ Neighbors: The Duke and Duchess of Kent
The Duke and Duchess of Kent are the neighbours of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Kensington Palace. They have a suite of rooms in the palace’s north wing, which they use as their London residence. The Duke is a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, and the couple carries out many official royal duties on behalf of the Queen.
Current Status: Royal Palaces and Public Access
Kensington Palace is one of several royal palaces in the UK. Today, it is open to the public, with visitors able to see many of the palace’s rooms and gardens. The palace is also used for many official royal functions, including state banquets and diplomatic receptions.
The palace is managed by Historic Royal Palaces, a charity that is responsible for the maintenance and preservation of several royal palaces in the UK. The charity works to ensure that these historic buildings are accessible to the public and that their heritage is protected for future generations.
Conclusion: A Place of History and Tradition
Kensington Palace has a rich history and has been the home of many famous royal residents over the centuries. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a working royal palace, with several members of the royal family living there. The palace is a symbol of British history and tradition and is an important part of the UK’s cultural heritage.
