A Grand Visit to Kensington Palace

The Princess of Wales was known for her kindness and affection, she personally wrote replies to various letters she received and would devote more time in her study room scribbling notes and thank you messages. When the divorce became final in 1996, Diana retained her apartments at Kensington because she was the mother of the future King (Prince William), her two sons William and Harry (2^nd and 3^rd in line of succession to the British throne) lived with her until her death in 1997.

At the time of the Princess’s death in August 31, 1997, she made an extensive renovation of her living room, replacing cushion and other interior decorations. Paul Burrell frequently visited Diana’s apartment at the time of her wake at St. James Palace, Prince Charles’s official London office near Buckingham Palace. After Diana’s burial, her Kensington apartment was dismantled and converted it to a place for public exhibition of royal collections during special occasions.  

Visits to Kensington Palace can be arranged. State apartments are on the first floor and unfortunately, visitors should climb at the grand stairs only, no lift is available. There are gift shops with in the palace where visitors can buy souvenir items, there is an audio guide script provided by a tour guide for visitors with hearing impediments. Chairs are provided on a first come first basis arrangement and could not be booked in advance. However, the palace is close from December 24 to December 26.

The following are the must-see and never to be missed areas inside Kensington Palace:

Princess Diana’s Fashion Exhibition

This is the area where the late Princess of Wales’s wardrobes displayed. This exhibition in the palace focuses on the development of Diana’s fashion style from romantic wardrobes to sophisticated dresses.

The King’s staircase

This staircase featured a magnificent walls and ceilings during the reign of King George I, his court and its character. It has famous faces of British royals carved on the walls.

The King’s Gallery

The largest and longest room of the state apartments, it displayed images, royal art collections, pictures and portraits of the royal family.

The Sunken Garden

Access in this area is free and does not require a palace ticket. The beautiful sunken garden is terraced with paving and ornamental flower beds surrounding an ornamental pond. It has a wide array of fabulous flowers like tulips, geraniums, wallflowers, begonias and others. It offers intimate feelings and tranquilities.

Queen Victoria’s Bedroom

This is the bedroom where Queen Victoria spent her last night as a Princess.

Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection

This area contains a stunning collection of royal dresses worn by British royal family members at various occasions.

Orangery Restaurant

Interior wall of the café has magnificent structures with ivory colored-walls and wonderful architectural design. It offers finest tea selections in London. It has also a range of premium wines and champagnes. Visitors can eat outside the restaurant and enjoys the scenic view of the garden and the palace. It has delicious homemade foods, light lunches, morning coffee, al fresco dining on the terrace.

Kensington Palace tickets can be booked on line. According to the website provided with the palace visits, children below 5 years old are admitted free. Schedule of visit is whole year round except for December 24 to 26.