Kensington Palace
It is owned by the Crown Estate.
Originally built in the 17th century as the residence of the Earl of Nottingham, Kensington Palace was acquired by King William III in 1689. Since then, it has been property of the royal family. It belongs to the Monarch in right of the Crown and is not private property.
It is most known to be the childhood home of Queen Victoria until 1837, when she became the monarch and moved to Buckingham Palace, and the former home of Diana, Princess of Wales. Today is associated with the Wales (previously Cammbridge) family and has become the code name of their office.
Kensington Palace circa 1930.
There were no walls to divide the private and the public parts (State rooms) of the Palace. There was just a protective net around the area.
Parts open to the public:
Today, Kensington Palace is divided into different royal living apartments and cottages where members of the royal family live or use as their main office:
- Aprtments 1 and 1A + apartment 8 (Diana's former home) used as office and rcepion rooms: The Prince and Princess of Wlaes. It's their official London residence and offices.
- Old Stables: The Duke & Duchess of Gloucester
- Wren House (cottage): The Duke of Kent
- Apartment 10: Prince Michael of Kent
(The portion behind the brick wall)
- Ivy Cottage: Princess Eugenie & co. when in London
- Nottingham Cottage: vacant (could be in use but unknown to the public).
