KENSINGTON PALACE

Description

Essentials about Kensington Palace in brief

For friends of the Royal Family, a visit to Kensington Palace should definitely be on the agenda of a trip to London. Located on the eastern edge of Kensington Gardens, the palace used to be a private country residence that was expanded by Mary II and William III at the end of the 17th century because the damp climate in Whitehall near the Thames was not conducive to William’s fragile health. In the decades that followed, Kensington Palace became increasingly important to the social and political life of the country. Today, the palace has a dual function as a public museum and private accommodation for the Royal Family.

The history of Kensington Palace

Under George I and II, the estate was lavishly furnished with state apartments and given an outstanding collection of furniture and paintings. After the death of George II in 1760, however, the palace lost its importance and to this day no reigning monarch has ever lived there again. It is true that the future Queen Victoria was born in Kensington Palace in 1819 and was brought up under strict supervision. However, when she unexpectedly became queen in 1837, she immediately moved to Buckingham Palace. By the end of the 19th century, Kensington Palace had fallen into such disrepair that some voices called for the building to be demolished. Queen Victoria, however, spoke out against demolishing the house of her childhood, which is why the palace was finally subjected to an elaborate restoration.

Visiting Kensington Palace

In 1899, Kensington Palace was first opened to the public. Since then, it has played a dual role as a public museum and private accommodation for the royal family. Diana, Princess of Wales, and William and Kate, for example, lived there. Visitors today can see various rooms in the palace, including those where Queen Victoria spent her childhood. Especially visitors who are enthusiastic about royal outfits will find their happiness at Kensington Palace. There is a special exhibition on the royal wardrobe – from Queen Elizabeth to fashion icon Diana. Those who are more interested in plants than clothes should definitely take a walk through the beautiful gardens of Kensington Palace.