Tucked into the western edge of Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace is more than just an architectural landmark — it is a living testament to centuries of royal life, personal stories, and national memory. From its modest beginnings to its place in the modern monarchy, this palace offers a unique window into royal domesticity, architectural ambition, and the private lives of public figures.
The Origins of Kensington Palace: From Nottingham House to Royal Residence
The story of Kensington Palace begins in the 17th century. The original building, known as Nottingham House, was a Jacobean mansion built in 1605 for Sir George Coppin. It later became the property of the Earl of Nottingham, whose title gave the house its early name.
In 1689, William III and Mary II purchased the property for £20,000, recognising its potential as a healthier royal retreat away from the smoky and disease-prone Whitehall. 🔗 Read more: A Walk Through Time on Whitehall
To turn this country home into a functioning palace, they brought in Sir Christopher Wren. Wren’s additions included elegant pavilions, a grand entrance front, and new state apartments arranged around a central courtyard. His design prioritised simplicity, symmetry, and light, resulting in a palace of graceful restraint. Unlike the formal pomp of other royal residences, Kensington was designed to be comfortable and understated — ideal for a king plagued by ill health.
A Palace Extended and Embellished
Subsequent monarchs continued to develop the palace. Under Queen Anne (1702–1714), the building became the principal royal residence, and she commissioned the Orangery in 1704, believed to have been designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor or possibly John Vanbrugh.
George I and George II both employed architect and designer William Kent, who was responsible for lavish new interiors including the Cupola Room, the King’s Grand Staircase, and the King’s Gallery, where paintings by Van Dyck and other court artists were displayed.
Notably, George II was the last monarch to use Kensington Palace as a full-time royal residence. After his death in 1760, the palace gradually transitioned into housing members of the extended royal family and hosting more private royal functions.
Queen Victoria’s Early Life at Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is indelibly linked with Queen Victoria. Born here on 24 May 1819, she spent her formative years within its red-brick walls. Following the death of her father, the Duke of Kent, when she was just eight months old, Victoria was raised in strict seclusion by her mother, the Duchess of Kent, and Sir John Conroy under a regime now known as the Kensington System. The intent was to control her upbringing and limit her contact with the outside world.
Despite this isolating childhood, Kensington was the backdrop to a momentous morning. On 20 June 1837, Victoria was woken early and informed that her uncle, William IV, had died and that she was now Queen. Her first official meeting with the Privy Council took place later that day in the palace’s Red Saloon, setting in motion a reign that would shape the British Empire.
Today, visitors can explore the Victoria: A Royal Childhood exhibition, featuring rooms reimagined to reflect Victoria’s early life and her transition from princess to monarch.
Kensington Palace Gardens and the Orangery
The palace grounds are an integral part of its charm. Queen Caroline, consort of George II, took the lead in shaping the surrounding landscape in the 1720s. She separated Kensington Gardens from Hyde Park and introduced formal avenues, the Round Pond, and the Serpentine lake, all of which survive today.
🔗 Read more: The History of Serpentine in Hyde Park
The Sunken Garden, created in 1908, is particularly well loved. It draws inspiration from 18th-century formal gardens, with symmetrical flower beds, reflective pools, and seasonal planting. In 2017, it was redesigned to honour Diana, Princess of Wales, and now features an elegant statue of her in its centre, flanked by white roses and soft foliage.
The nearby Orangery, built for Queen Anne, was intended as a greenhouse for citrus trees and as a summer banqueting hall. Today, its high windows and elegant interiors serve as a café and venue space, maintaining its tradition of hospitality.
Royal Residents of Kensington Palace Today
The Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, Photo by Hazel Baker
Kensington Palace remains a working royal residence. Apartment 1A is the official London home of The Prince and Princess of Wales, although they now spend most of their time at Adelaide Cottage near Windsor. Other royal residents include the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.
In the 20th century, the palace was famously home to Princess Margaret, the Queen’s younger sister, who lived in Apartment 1A from the 1960s until her death in 2002. More recently, it gained worldwide attention as the home of Diana, Princess of Wales, who resided here from 1981 until her death in 1997. The palace remains a place of pilgrimage for many who admired her.
Comparing Kensington Palace, Hampton Court Palace, Buckingham Palace, and St James's Palace
Each royal residence offers insight into a different facet of British monarchy — from ceremonial grandeur to private life and historical continuity.
- Kensington Palace is intimate and reflective, closely tied to the personal histories of Queen Victoria and Princess Diana. It continues to serve as a residence for members of the royal family.
- Hampton Court Palace is theatrical and historic, known for its Tudor kitchens, Baroque apartments, and dramatic gardens. It has not been a royal residence since the 18th century and is fully open to the public.
- Buckingham Palace is the principal London residence of the monarch and the administrative headquarters of the monarchy. It is the site of major ceremonial events, including Trooping the Colour and state banquets. While its state rooms are open to the public in summer, the palace is primarily a working institution. You can learn more in our Buckingham Palace blog post.
- St James’s Palace is the oldest surviving royal palace in London. Built by Henry VIII, it remains the formal seat of the monarchy, despite not being a royal residence. It hosts official functions and houses several royal offices and chapels, including the Chapel Royal. Listen to our St James’s Palace podcast episode.
Each palace plays a distinctive role within the life and function of the monarchy — Kensington for family, Hampton Court for heritage, Buckingham for ceremony, and St James’s for formality.
Plan Your Visit to Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is open year-round, with tickets available through Historic Royal Palaces. Highlights include the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments, Victoria’s childhood rooms, and the beautifully restored gardens. Guided tours are available, as well as seasonal exhibitions that change throughout the year.
For a deeper understanding of London’s royal connections and historical surroundings, consider booking a private Royal London Walking Tour, which explores Westminster landmarks and palaces and the royal figures who shaped the nation.
