Kensington Palace

Originally a modest country house, Kensington Palace transformed into one of Britain’s most significant royal residences when it was purchased in 1689 by William III. At that time, William of Orange had just become King of England after overthrowing his Catholic father-in-law, King James II, in the Glorious Revolution. William, a Dutch prince married to Queen Mary II, sought a home outside the pollution of central London due to his asthma. Kensington, still rural at the time, offered a quieter, healthier location. The building itself had begun as a 17th-century mansion built for the Earl of Nottingham, named after the nearby village of Kensington. William and Mary made it their primary residence, and Kensington Palace soon became a center of royal activity.

While Queen Mary held the throne, it was William who wielded most of the power. After her untimely death in 1694, William ruled alone, governing not just England, but also Scotland and Ireland, until his own death in 1702. During his time at Kensington, he made a lasting contribution to the city’s infrastructure by commissioning a wide carriage road from the palace to London. This thoroughfare, now known as Rotten Row, remains a famous horse-riding path in Hyde Park. Kensington Palace has been home to many notable royals over the centuries. Queen Victoria was born there in 1819 and lived in the palace until she became queen. In more modern times, the palace became the residence of Princess Diana after her marriage to Prince Charles.

It was here, even after their divorce, that Diana continued to live, cementing the palace’s status as a symbol of both royal tradition and modern change. Today, Kensington Palace remains a functioning royal residence, housing various members of the royal family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales. The palace’s public rooms are open to visitors, offering a glimpse into the lives of past and present monarchs. Its blend of history, from William III’s reign to Princess Diana’s legacy, makes Kensington Palace a key piece of London’s royal heritage and a lasting symbol of the British monarchy.