Kensington Palace - The Sunken Garden & Statue of Diana - London
Kensington Palace is located at Kensington Gardens, near Kensington High Street. It’s one of our favorite areas of London. The palace was built in the 17th century as a country getaway for King William III and Queen Mary II. Today, the palace is the official London residence of Prince William & Kate (The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge) and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. The family relocated from the palace to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor in September 2022. Kensington Palace has 547 rooms which are divided into apartments, most occupied by other Royal relatives.
What To See at Kensington Palace
King’s Gallery
The historic King’s Gallery is the largest and longest of the State Apartments. Step back in time and learn all about the secrets of the King’s Gallery, dating back to William III and King George I.
The King’s Grand Staircase & King’s State Apartments
The grand staircase, with its beautiful painted walls and ceiling, was where the King and his visitors would enter the State Apartments. The King’s State Apartments include: The King’s Grand Staircase, The Presence Chamber, The Privy Chamber, The Cupola Room, The Kings Drawing Room, and The King’s Gallery.
Queen’s State Apartments
See the private rooms where Queen Mary II lived and entertained her guests. The Queen’s State Apartments include: The Queen’s Staircase, The Queen’s Gallery, The Queen’s Closet, The Queen’s Dining Room, The Queen’s Drawing Room, and The Queen’s Bedroom.
The Sunken Garden & Statue of Princess Diana
The Sunken Garden
Styled after an 18th century garden, this tranquil oasis is filled with beautiful flowers, ponds and fountains. It was Princess Diana’s favorite spot on the grounds of the palace. Today, the Sunken Garden features a display of Princess Diana’s favorite flowers, including forget-me-nots, white lilies, white roses, tulips, narcissi, and daisies. The garden was designed to be viewed from the surrounding covered walkway.
Statue of Princess Diana
A statue of Princess Diana was unveiled in the palace’s Sunken Garden on what would have been her 60th birthday – July 1, 2021. The statue, by sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley, was commissioned by Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex. The statue was designed to honor Diana’s role as an ambassador for humanitarian causes and her ability to bond with young people, hence the three children. A paving stone in front of the statue includes an excerpt from the poem, “The Measure of a Man” which was featured in a 2007 memorial service for Diana.
Viewing Areas
Note: There is a locked gated door and fence all around the Sunken Garden. Visitors can only view the statue, garden and lily pond through openings along an arched arbor “Cradle Walk.” The closest you can get to the statue is from behind it, as you peer through the gated door. We were so surprised when we first walked up to the garden and found a locked gate and no up-close viewing of the statue. But it is well worth a visit just to see Diana again.
Open Wednesday-Sunday. Hours vary depending on season. Admission to the Sunken Garden is free.
Statue of Queen Victoria
A statue of Queen Victoria is located in the east front gardens, in front of the palace’s new public entrance. The statue was sculpted by Queen Victoria’s daughter, Princess Louise.
Nearest Underground Station
High Street Kensington and Queensway
More Info
Visit the palace’s website for more info on tickets, pricing, private tours and seasonal opening times.
Book London Sightseeing Tours, Day Trips and Fun Things To Do
Enjoy a Royal High Tea at Kensington Palace, indulging in British tea sandwiches, cakes and scones. Then take a leisurely stroll through Kensington Gardens. Or choose from a variety of fun Kensington Palace Combo Tours.
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