Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace has been in use by British royalty for several centuries, but is perhaps more famous these days for being the home of the Diana, Princess of Wales. She moved in after her divorce from Charles in 1996.
History of Kensington Palace
The building originally started out as a simple country mansion but was converted into a palace in the late 1600s by King William III. His architect – Christopher Wren – went on to build the great St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The Orangery was added in 1704, and State Rooms by George I. George III decided that he much preferred the pomp of and pageantry of Buckingham Palace, so the House remained empty for several years. It was then given over to the Royal siblings – Queen Victoria was actually born and raised inside the grounds.
It has remained a home for lesser royals ever since – the most recent being the Queen’s own sister, Princess Margaret.
Tour of the State Apartments
The highlight of a visit to the State Apartments is the private room of William III, and the rather less-opulent Queen’s Room. The Cupola Room – decorated in the style of ancient Rome with busts and classical paintings – was where Queen Victoria was baptised in 1819.
by Edward Impey
The King’s Long Gallery contains an amusing mistake in William Kent’s painted ceiling: he spent months drawing out the story of Odysseus – but gave Cyclops two eyes!
The staircase has a picture of Kent wearing a turban, and an infamous rendition of Peter ‘Wild child’ – who was discovered living in a German forest and brought back to England for amusement. The King’s Drawing Room has a splendid view of Kensington Gardens.
Princess Diana exhibition
The Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection includes clothes from the 18th-century onwards, including many garments worn by Princess Diana.
Facts and information
- Address:
- Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, Kensington,
London W8 4PX
England - Telephone:
- Work +44 (0) 844 482 7777
- Bus route:
- 9 10 27 28 49 52 70 94 148 328 390 452
- Train station:
- High Street Kensington CR DS, Queensway CN
- Opening times:
- 10–5
- Cost:
- Adults £12.30; Children £6.15 (under-16); Family ticket £34.00
Kensington Palace
The Orangery, Kensington PalaceDid you know… Prince Charles and Diana both lived at the Palace, as did Prince Andrew and Fergie.
Kensington Gardens, c.1724
The King’s Long Gallery
Cupola Room, Kensington Palace- > Information
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Kensington Palace – Related articles…
Kensington GardensThe gardens originally formed part of the palace grounds, but were opened to the public in 1841.
Events at Kensington Palace:
- 11th June – 30th June 2009
- Kensington Palace is hosting a new exhibition to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the last debutante season in 1958, when young ladies were presented to high-society after coming through their class.
