Fodor's Expert Review Kensington Palace
This is a rare chance to get a glimpse into the more domestic and personal side of royal life. Neither as imposing as Buckingham Palace nor as charming as Hampton Court, Kensington Palace is something of a royal family commune, with various close relatives of the late Queen occupying large apartments in the private part of the palace. After purchasing the existing modest mansion in 1689 as a country retreat, Queen Mary and King William III commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to transform it into a palace, and over the years young royal families have made it their home. Princess Diana lived here with her sons after her divorce, and this is where Prince William now lives with his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and their three children. Prince Harry shared his cottage on the grounds with Meghan Markle before their marriage.
The State Apartments are open to the public. The Queen's State Apartments are the private quarters of Queen Mary II, who ruled jointly with her husband, William... READ MORE
This is a rare chance to get a glimpse into the more domestic and personal side of royal life. Neither as imposing as Buckingham Palace nor as charming as Hampton Court, Kensington Palace is something of a royal family commune, with various close relatives of the late Queen occupying large apartments in the private part of the palace. After purchasing the existing modest mansion in 1689 as a country retreat, Queen Mary and King William III commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to transform it into a palace, and over the years young royal families have made it their home. Princess Diana lived here with her sons after her divorce, and this is where Prince William now lives with his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and their three children. Prince Harry shared his cottage on the grounds with Meghan Markle before their marriage.
The State Apartments are open to the public. The Queen's State Apartments are the private quarters of Queen Mary II, who ruled jointly with her husband, William II. By contrast, the lavish King's State Apartments, originally built for George I, are a stage set, a circuit of sumptuous rooms where Georgian monarchs received and entertained courtiers, politicians, and foreign dignitaries. Look for the King's Staircase, with its panoramic trompe-l'oeil painting, and the King's Gallery, with royal artworks surrounded by rich red damask walls, intricate gilding, and a beautiful painted ceiling. One permanent exhibition,Victoria Revealed, is devoted to the private life of Queen Victoria, who was born and grew up here. A temporary exhibition entitled Crown to Couture displays occasion wear ranging from court dresses like a silk and silver-thread gown worn to the court of King Charles II in the 17th century to a Thom Browne creation for Lizzo's 2022 Met Gala red carpet appearance.
Outside, the grounds are almost as lovely as the palace itself. You can picnic on one of the benches or head for the Pavilion overlooking the Sunken Garden, serving breakfast, lunch, and an elegant afternoon tea. There are more casual cafés in the Italian Gardens and on the Broad Walk.
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