Walk in the footsteps of royalty
Originally built in 1605 as Nottingham House, Kensington Palace was transformed into a lavish royal residence by William III and Mary II, becoming a setting of magnificent balls and distinguished visitors. It was later renovated and enlarged by the Stuart and Georgian monarchs who followed, and eventually evolved into a fashionable home for Britain’s young royal families, housing Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon in the 1960s and, following their 1981 wedding, the Prince and Princess of Wales. Since Queen Victoria opened the State Apartments to the public in 1899, the palace has maintained its dual role as both a working royal residence and a public historic site.
Visitors can explore the grand King’s and Queen’s Apartments, opulent rooms once used for royal audiences and private life alike. Highlights include the King’s Staircase lined with William Kent’s all-encompassing trompe l’oeil paintings of George I’s royal court; the richly decorated Cupola Room, which centers an 18th century musical clock by Charles Clay; the King’s Drawing Room, with the splendid painting “Venus and Cupid,” c.1543, by Giorgio Vasari; and the King’s Gallery, home to masterpieces from the Royal Collection, including a copy of Anthony van Dyck’s noble portrait “Charles I at the Hunt.”
Outside, explore the elegant Sunken Garden, created in a formal Edwardian style with terraced lawns and a central ornamental pond. A favorite retreat of Princess Diana, the garden was entirely replanted with white flowers in 2017 to mark the 20th anniversary of her death. A statue of Diana now stands within the garden, reflecting her warmth and elegance.
The King’s Gallery at Kensington Palace. © Historic Royal Palaces
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