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 London home of Prince William & Kate (The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge) and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. The palace has 547 rooms which are divided into apartments, most occupied by other Royal relatives. William and Kate occupy Apt. 1A (4 floors, 20 rooms). 

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.

Sunken Garden & Statue of Princess Diana

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 garden features a display of Princess Diana’s favorite flowers, including forget-me-nots, white lilies, white roses, tulips, narcissi, and daisies.

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 The Duke of Cambridge and The Duke of Sussex. It 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.

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.