Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace in the United Kingdom is literally a royal home. Set in the Kensington Gardens, which is located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London, this palace is the minor home to a number of royals to include the Prince Michael of Kent, Princess Michael of Kent, and the Duke of Gloucester. As you can imagine, Kensington Palace is lavish and set in the traditional British décor.

Back in the 17th century, the palace was built for the Earl of Nottingham in the village of Kensington, which at that time, was called Nottingham House. The structure had been acquired from his heir, William III, Secretary of State, simply because the King needed a residence closer to London yet far enough away from the capital smog because of his asthma. Interestingly, when Kensington Palace was first built, it was more accessible than Hampton Court, since it required travel on the Thames River.

To get back and forth to the palace with ease, a private road was developed leading form Hyde Park Corner. This particular road was nothing fancy, just wide enough for several carriages to travel side-by-side. Today, that same road is still in existence although it now has the name of Rotten Row. Over the years, the palace has been renovated, extended, and improved by Sir Christopher Wren. As a part of this transformation, Royal Apartments for the Chapel Royal had to be repaired.

In a great state, the palace was a favorite home to many British monarchs even though the Royal Court was at that time and still is today, at St. James, which did not become a Royal residence until the 17th century. In 1694, Queen Mary died in Kensington Palace of a bad case of smallpox. Then in 1702, another royal, William III, suffered a fall from his horse while at Hampton Court. To rest and recovery, he was brought to Kensington Palace but sadly, died shortly after.

Soon after his death, Kensington Palace became the home to Queen Ann. To meet her personal style, the Orangery, a magnificent feature of the palace, was recreated in the Baroque style. Then, a 30-acre garden was created by Henry Wise with magnificent citrus trees grown in tubs. At that time, the trees had to be covered with cloth during the cold winter months until the glass technology was developed. This concept remained until the 1840s at which time greenhouses were invented.

One of the apartments in Kensington Palace is called the Cupola Room. George I spend a good fortune on the apartment around 1718, which was enhanced with a wonderful painted staircase and ceiling, done by William Kent. Then when George II lived in the palace, he was a part of the last reigning monarch. Eventually, Kensington Gardens were redesigned as The Serpentine, the Basin, and the Grand Walk, what you still see today. In 1760, George II passed away and from that time forward, only minor royalty has used the palace.

Then as recent as 1981, two of the apartments within the palace, number eight and nine, were joined to make a home for the newly married Prince and Princess of Wales, better known as Charles and Dianna. Even after her marriage to Charles ended, Princess Di remained in the apartment until her untimely death in 1997. Today, Kensington Palace is still magnificent to see and although it holds many wonderful, historic memories that of Princess Diana (Lady Di) is the primary reason people come to see her last home.


Last Updated: 10/19/2006 3:14:00 PM

Territories of the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is unique in that it is confusing even to many people who live there. You see, the British Isles are divided into two countries, both independent states in international law. The first country is
... continue >>

London Aquarium
Throughout the world are many exciting aquariums but the London Aquarium is definitely worth seeing when visiting the United Kingdom. All year, you can your family can enjoy the creatures under the sea,
... continue >>

Westminster Abbey
Of all English abbeys, the Westminster Abbey is probably the one most well known. Located within the Royal Palace of Westminster, the abbey is overwhelmingly magnificent. Situated on the north side of the Thames
... continue >>