| Kensington Palace | |
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[[file:Template:Location map United Kingdom London Kensington|250px|Kensington Palace is located in Template:Location map United Kingdom London Kensington]]
<div style="position: absolute; top: Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character "[".%; left: Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character "[".%; height: 0; width: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">  Location in Kensington
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| General information | |
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Kensington London, W8 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
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| Design and construction | |
| Owner | King Charles III in right of the Crown[1] |
| Website | |
| www.hrp.org.uk | |
An engraving of Kensington Palace's south front, with its parterres, 1724
The Cupola Room
Kensington Palace is a royal residence located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London, England. The palace has been a residence of the British Royal Family since the 17th century and is currently the official residence of several members of the royal family, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
History[]
Kensington Palace was originally built in 1605 as a mansion for Sir George Coppin. It was later purchased by Sir Heneage Finch, the Lord Chancellor of England, who commissioned Christopher Wren to redesign and expand the building in the late 17th century. The palace became a royal residence when it was purchased by King William III and Queen Mary II in 1689. Over the years, the palace has undergone several renovations and expansions. In the 19th century, Queen Victoria added the opulent State Apartments, which are now open to the public. More recently, the palace has undergone extensive renovations to modernize and update its facilities.
Attractions[]
Kensington Palace is open to the public and offers visitors a chance to explore its rich history and architecture. Some of the main attractions include:
- State Apartments: These opulent rooms were once used by members of the royal family to receive guests and conduct official business. They are now open to the public and offer a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the British monarchy.
- Sunken Garden: This beautiful garden was designed in 1908 and is located on the south side of the palace. It features a variety of colorful flowers and is a popular spot for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery.
- Queen Victoria Exhibition: This exhibition explores the life and reign of Queen Victoria, who lived at Kensington Palace for much of her life. It features a collection of her personal belongings, including clothing, jewelry, and artwork.
- Diana, Princess of Wales Exhibition: This exhibition explores the life and legacy of Diana, Princess of Wales, who lived at Kensington Palace after her marriage to Prince Charles. It features a collection of her personal items and offers insight into her charitable work and humanitarian efforts.
- The Orangery: This beautiful building was once used to house exotic plants during the winter months. It is now a popular restaurant and tea room that serves traditional English afternoon tea and other refreshments.
Overall, Kensington Palace is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in British history and the monarchy. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful gardens make it a popular attraction for visitors from around the world.
Further reading[]
- Impey, Edward (2003). Kensington Palace: The Official Illustrated History. London: Merrell Publishers in association with Historic Royal Palaces. ISBN 978-1-85894-205-6. OCLC 51569080.
External links[]
References[]
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- ^ "History". Historic Royal Palaces. http://www.hrp.org.uk/about-us/who-we-are/history/.