Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace is a royal residence set in Kensington Gardens in London. It has been a residence of the British Royal Family since the 17th century. Palace highlights include Queen Victoria’s bedroom, the King’s Gallery, the Sunken Garden, Mary of Modena’s bed, the King’s Staircase and the new Enchanted Palace exhibition.

Today it is the official residence of The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester; the Duke and Duchess of Kent; and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. It was the official residence of Diana, Princess of Wales (until her death in 1997), of Princess Margaret (until her death in 2002) and of Princess Alice (until her death in 2004). Kensington Palace is also used on an unofficial basis by Prince Harry, as well as his cousin Zara Phillips.

Queen Victoria’s bedroom was where Victoria spent the last night of her youth. When she was woken up at six on 20 June 1837, it was to be told that her uncle had died in the night and that she was now Queen Victoria.

The original early 17th-century building was constructed in the village of Kensington as Nottingham House for the Earl of Nottingham. It was acquired from his heir, who was Secretary of State to William III, in 1689, because the King wanted a residence near London but away from the smoky air of the capital, because he was asthmatic.

Today, the palace offers a unique selection of rooms available for receptions and formal dinners ranging from the rich and luxurious King's Gallery to the tranquil and elegant Orangery.

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Contact details for Kensington Palace tel: 0844 482 7777, email: [email protected].

Kensington Palace is open daily from 10:00. In the summer (1 March – 31 October) last admission is 17:00 with closing at 18:00. In the winter (1 November – 28 February) last admission is 16:00 with closing at 17:00. Kensington Palace is closed 24, 25 and 26 December (inclusive).

Tickets can be booked online, by phone or in person at the box office. Booking line tel: 0844 482 7799, weekends and Bank Holidays: 10:00-17:00. There will be a booking fee for tickets purchased by phone.

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