Many historic attractions await a visitor to London, England. But for royalists, or those simply interested in seeing a palace, make sure to plan time to see Kensington Palace.
Located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, off Bayswater Road and on Notting Hill’s doorstep, this posh neighborhood has plenty to explore. But with Kensington Palace’s rich history and nostalgic role in the life and death of Princess Diana, it is a must-see for any visitor to London.
From Nottingham House to Kensington Palace
In 1689, King William III and Queen Mary II wanted to escape the dampness of Whitehall Palace along the Thames. They bought Nottingham House in Kensington Village, an area that was considered quite rural from central London during the times. With the help of Sir Christopher Wren, Nottingham House was turned into a palace and became William and Mary’s private home.
Kensington Palace owes many of it’s renovations to George I, who spent liberally on the alterations. Some of his improvements were to add three new state rooms, the Privy Chamber, the Cupola Room and the Withdrawing Room. George I hired an unknown artist by the name of William Kent to paint the walls and ceilings of the grand King’s Staircase, amongst other areas of the palace.
When George II succeeded to the throne, he and his wife, Queen Caroline, made Kensington one of their principal residences. Between the reigns of George I and George II, the palace was home to some of the most impressive art and elegant furniture in Europe. But after the death of Queen Caroline, George II neglected many rooms and the palace fell into disrepair. George II was the last reigning monarch to live in Kensington Palace.
Queen Victoria
Known as having the longest reign in British history, Queen Victoria began her life at Kensington Palace. Tourists can see the room where she was born and the Cupola Room where she was baptized.
One of the most popular stops on the palace tour is to see the bedroom where Victoria went to bed a princess and awoke a queen. For it was in the wee hours of the morning of June 20, 1837 that she was told of her uncle’s death and her own accession to the throne.
As Queen, Victoria moved immediately into Buckingham Palace. The young Princess Victoria had led a very isolated and lonely life, overprotected by her widowed mother. But she still treasured Kensington Palace. In fact, in 1898, on her 80th birthday, Queen Victoria opened the palace to the public.
Diana, Princess of Wales
Of all the royalty that lived at Kensington Palace, one of the most notorious was Diana, Princess of Wales. She lived at Kensington both during and after her marriage to Prince Charles, until her untimely death. Her sons, Princes William and Harry, also lived with her at Kensington.
One of the most memorable images from the week following Diana’s death was that of the millions of flowers left for her at the gates of Kensington Palace. Her funeral procession also started at the palace before proceeding to Westminster Abbey on September 6, 1997. Visitors should be warned that Princess Diana’s apartments are not open to the public; however there is a display of some of her most famous dresses.
A Modern Day Palace
While the state apartments are open to visitors, other areas of Kensington Palace still operate as a residence. The current inhabitants include three cousins to Queen Elizabeth II.
- Prince & Princess Michael of Kent
- Duke & Duchess of Kent
- Duke & Duchess of Gloucester
People who work for the Queen and Prince Charles also have apartments at Kensington.
Whether taking the self-guided tour of the Palace (about an hour and a half) or simply taking an afternoon stroll through the lovely Kensington Gardens or Hyde Park, a visit around Kensington warrants a stop at the Orangery. Designed for Queen Anne in 1704, the Orangery now offers breakfast, morning coffee, lunch or an impressive afternoon tea that is not to be missed.
Kerri Carpenter - Kerri Carpenter is a freelance writer who hails from the Pittsburgh area. She now lives in Arlington, VA. Besides writing, she enjoys ...
