Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace
Colin Smith · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	Kensington Palace
Caption	Kensington Palace viewed from Kensington Gardens
Location	Kensington, London, England
Coordinates	51, 30, 19, N...
Built	1605, expanded 1689–1728
Architect	Christopher Wren, Nicholas Hawksmoor, William Kent
Architecture	English Baroque, Palladian
Governing body	Historic Royal Palaces
Designation1	Grade I
Designation1 date	1950

Kensington Palace is a royal residence set within Kensington Gardens in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London. Originally a private country house known as Nottingham House, it was acquired by William III and Mary II in 1689 and transformed into a royal palace by architects including Christopher Wren. It has been a favored home for generations of the British royal family, from monarchs to junior members, and today serves as both an official residence and a major public museum managed by Historic Royal Palaces.

History

The site's history as a royal residence began in 1689 when the joint monarchs William III and Mary II purchased Nottingham House from the Secretary of State, the Earl of Nottingham. Seeking a retreat from the damp air of Whitehall Palace, they commissioned Christopher Wren to expand the modest Jacobean building. The palace became the principal royal residence for the next 70 years, witnessing significant events such as the death of Mary II from smallpox in 1694 and the accession of George I following the Hanoverian succession. Under George I, further expansions were undertaken by architects like William Kent, who decorated the lavish State Rooms. The palace was the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria, who was awakened there in 1837 to learn of her accession to the throne following the death of William IV. During the 20th century, it underwent periods of decline before extensive restoration by the Department of the Environment and later Historic Royal Palaces.

Architecture and grounds

The architecture represents a blend of English Baroque and Palladian styles, with major contributions from several master architects. Christopher Wren's initial work added pavilions and the King's and Queen's State Apartments, while his clerk Nicholas Hawksmoor designed the ornate King's Staircase. The most opulent interiors were created by William Kent for George I, including the celebrated Cupola Room and the lavish paintings on the King's Grand Staircase. The palace is set within the expansive Kensington Gardens, originally the private gardens of the palace, which were landscaped by designers such as Henry Wise and Charles Bridgeman. Notable garden features include the Sunken Garden, the Albert Memorial, and the Serpentine Galleries, with the entire area now forming part of the contiguous Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens parkland.

Royal residents

The palace has housed numerous prominent members of the British royal family across three centuries. After William III and Mary II, it was the primary residence for monarchs including Queen Anne, George I, and George II. Queen Victoria was born and raised there, moving to Buckingham Palace after her accession. In the modern era, it has been home to various junior members of the royal family. Princess Margaret lived there for over four decades, and it was the London residence of Diana, Princess of Wales from her marriage to The Prince of Wales until her death in 1997. Current official residents include The Prince and Princess of Wales, whose offices are based there, and other members such as The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

Public access and exhibitions

A significant portion of the palace is open to the public under the management of Historic Royal Palaces. Visitors can explore the historic State Rooms, including the King's State Apartments and Queen's State Apartments, which display magnificent collections from the Royal Collection. Permanent exhibitions often focus on key residents like Queen Victoria, featuring personal artifacts and garments. The palace also hosts major temporary exhibitions, such as displays of gowns worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, which have drawn international attention. The adjacent Kensington Gardens are freely accessible and feature the Italian Gardens, the Peter Pan statue by George Frampton, and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground.

Cultural significance

Beyond its official functions, the palace holds a firm place in national culture and heritage. It is a potent symbol of the British monarchy, having been the backdrop for both private royal life and public ceremonies. Its association with Queen Victoria and Diana, Princess of Wales has made it a site of enduring public fascination and media attention. The palace and its gardens have been featured in numerous literary and cinematic works, contributing to the global image of London. As a major tourist attraction and a working royal residence, it uniquely embodies both the historical continuity and the modern evolution of the British royal family.

Category:Royal palaces in the United Kingdom Category:Historic house museums in London Category:Grade I listed buildings in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea