Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace is a royal residence set in Kensington Gardens in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London. Today it houses various minor royals including the Duke of Gloucester and Prince Michael of Kent and Princess Michael of Kent.

The original building was constructed as Nottingham House for the Earl of Nottingham. It was acquired from him in 1689 by William III who wanted a residence near London but away from the foul air of the capital because he was asthmatic. Kensington was at that time a village location outside London, but closer than Hampton Court. The palace was improved and extended by Sir Christopher Wren.

The last reigning monarch to use Kensington Palace was George II and, after his death in 1760, it was used for more minor royalty, including the young daughter of the Duke of Kent who was living in the palace with her widowed mother when she was told of her accession to the throne as Queen Victoria. It was the residence of Diana, Princess of Wales after her marriage and until her death, and her sons, including Prince William, went to local nursery and pre-preparatory schools in Notting Hill which is a short walk away.

Nearest Tube: Queensway, High Street Kensington, or Gloucester Road.