how much to visit kensington palace

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London , London Travel Tips & Inspiration · August 14, 2023

Your Ultimate Guide + Tips For Visiting Kensington Palace in 2024 (from a local)

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Looking to visit Kensington Palace? Here’s my top Kensington Palace tips including everything you need to know about visiting the royal abode — from a local Londoner and London travel blogger (in other words, you’re in good hands) enjoy!

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Perched on the edge of Hyde Park, Kensington Palace is London’s 2nd most royal residence (right behind Buckingham Palace) and the home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge — Prince William and Cate Middleton, at least before they moved to Windsor .

Its history spans back over 300 years as everything from a home to Queen Victoria and Princess Diana to more current affairs such as the announcement grounds for Prince Harry and Meghan’s engagement.

Visiting Kensington Palace and feeling like you’ve stepped into royal life is an experience like no one, but you’ll want to be prepared.

In this post I’ll be sharing a quick history of Kensington Palace , how to get to Kensington Palace , the best Kensington Palace tickets, passes and tours , Kensington Palace opening times and the best time to go to Kensington Palace , what to do and see in Kensington Palace , how much time to spend at Kensington Palace and the best practical tips for visiting Kensington Palace along with a Kensington Palace map to help you navigate your day with ease — enjoy!

Your Ultimate Guide + Tips For Visiting Kensington Palace (from a local)

A Quick History: Kensington Palace

Before its royal days Kensington was a beautiful mansion home to Sir Daniel Finch, the Secretary of State at the time.

When William III and Mary II assumed the monarch in 1689, they found their Whitehall Palace abode near the Thames to be too agitating to their son’s asthmatic conditions. This started a hunt for a new home and the eventual purchase of Kensington Palace for £20,000 from Daniel Finch.

Since then it has served as a royal residence for ‘minor royals’ for nearly 300 years, with the most notable residents including:

• The childhood home of Queen Victoria and where she met Prince Albert
• The home of William III and Mary II
• The home of Queen Anne and Anne’s son William
• The previous home of Princess Diana and Prince Charles
• The home of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and Cate Middleton) and their children Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte up until their Windsor move in 2022
• The announcement place of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s engagement (Prince Harry and Megan Markle)

Other royal residents also call Kensington Palace home (easy to do with 547 rooms) including The Duke and Duchess of Kent, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

P.S – As you can imagine, the royals like their privacy — so don’t expect to see them popping about during your visit!

Is Kensington Palace Worth Visiting?

Before you decide to spend your day roaming Kensington Palace you may be wondering ‘is Kensington Palace worth visiting?’.

Personally speaking, yes. If you’re interested in British history, royalty, or even just exploring London, it’s worth visiting. Especially if you already have the Go City Explorer Pass or The London Pass — Kensington Palace is included on both!

Pro-tip: Although I highly suggest seeing inside the palace, if you would like to experience Kensington Palace for free, you can still visit Kensington Gardens or enjoy views of the palace from outside while you’re exploring Hyde Park

Getting to Kensington Palace

Getting to Kensington Palace is relatively easy as there are lots of transport links. Before you go, I highly suggest downloading Citymapper to help plan your journey.

By Underground: The closest tube station to Kensington Palace is High Street Kensington station which is 10-minute walk from Kensington Palace on the District & Circle Lines and a 10-minute walk from Queensway station on the Circle Line. It’s also about a 20-25 minute walk from both Notting Hill station and Paddington station.

By Bus: Bus 9,49,52,70 and 452 will drop you off on Kensington High Street, about a 10-minute walk from the palace. Bus 94, 148, and 274 will drop you off on Bayswater Road, about a 10-15 minute walk from Kensington Palace.

By River Cruise: If you’re already in the middle of sightseeing pre-Kensington Palace, you can take an Uber Boat from Central London to Battersea Power Station Pier station to do some river sightseeing along the way. Once you get off, go to Stop CJ and take bus 452 towards Ladbroke Grove, it’s 15-minute bus ride to Kensington Palace.

By Train: The closest train station to Kensington Palace is Paddington Station — which serves the Paddington Heathrow Express, TFL Rail Heathrow and the National Rail , followed by a 20-25 minute walk to the palace.

Walking: If you’re exploring Central/West London neighbourhoods such as Knightsbridge , South Kensington, Kensington , Notting Hill , Chelsea, Paddington or Holland Park you’ll most likely be under an hour’s walk from Kensington Palace. This is a great way to see more London sites before your visit, so be sure to check Citymapper to see if you can simply walk over!

Already in Hyde Park?: Kensington Palace sits right on the edge of Hyde Park so if you’re already in the park itself — you’re in luck! Keep in mind Hyde Park is massive ( here’s a map ) so depending where you are in the park it could take up to a 45-minute walk within the park to get to Kensington Palace itself.

P.S – If you’re driving, there’s no parking at Kensington Palace currently so they will need to drop you off at Kensington High Street.

Do I Need Tickets to Visit Kensington Palace?

Although you can visit the Kensington Gardens and surrounding Hyde Park for free, you need a ticket to go tour inside Kensington Palace (and really have the full experience).

You can get the tickets at the door or in advance, but tickets tend to be cheaper if you book online.

Best Kensington Palace Tours :

Kensington Palace Sightseeing Entrance Ticket – The Kensington Palace Sightseeing Entrance Ticket will give you general access to explore Kensington Palace including Victoria: A Royal Child display, The Jewel Room, The King’s State Apartments, Staircase and Gallery, The Queen’s State Apartments and any current exhibitions taking place in the palace (and Kensington Gardens, open to the public). Click to book .

Kensington Palace Gardens Tour with Royal High Tea – The Kensington Palace Gardens Tour with Royal High Tea will give you access to all of above — with the benefit of a private guide and a deeper dive into the history of the palace and the royal family, including a royal high tea of sandwiches, cakes, scones and tea and coffee. Click to book.

Westminster Walking Tour and Kensington Palace Visit – The Westminster Walking Tour and Kensington Palace Visit will combine a royal stroll along London’s top 30 attractions, ending with a visit to Kensington Palace. Click to book.

The London Pass – The London Pass gives you access to over 80+ attractions (including Kensington Palace) over a set amount of consecutive days. This will give you the equivalent of a general entry ticket to Kensington Palace when you visit.

Go City Explorer Pass – The Go City Explorer Pass gives you access to 70+ attractions (including Kensington Palace), based on the amount of attractions you’d like to visit across London. This also will give you the equivalent of a general entry ticket to Kensington Palace when you visit.

P.S – Check out the difference between The London Pass and the Go City Explorer Pass to choose which one’s right for you!

Kensington Palace Opening Hours & The Best Time To Go To Kensington Palace

Summer hours in Kensington Palace (from March 2nd – October 30th) are Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 – 6:00pm with last admission at 5pm .

Winter hours in Kensington Palace (from October 31st to March 1st) are Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 – 4:00pm with last admission at 3pm .

The Sunken Garden, which includes the statue of Princess Diana is only open during opening hours in both the Summer and Winter period.

You may also be wondering, ‘when is the best time to go to Kensington Palace?’.

Between October to February crowds are reasonable at most hours , so although getting there early would be best, you won’t have too many long queues either way.

But if you’re visiting in summer, it’s a whole other story.

Between the hoard of school groups, eager tourists, royal enthusiasts and summer park goers, Kensington Palace is sure to be crowded. To avoid the queues I suggest going 20-minutes before opening time on a weekday or close to an hour before closing during a weekday .

Read More: The Best Things to do in Kensington, London

Kensington palace highlights: what to do in kensington palace, the king’s state apartments & the king’s staircase:.

The King’s Gallery & The King’s Staircase are a great way to feel like you’ve stepped into Georgian times.

This is where the King would host events and the court in his time and is an instant way to get the royal experience at Kensington Palace.

The Queen’s State Apartment:

After William II and Mary II came to the thrown, they bought Kensington Palace to be their ‘home away from home’.

Thus the Queen’s State Apartment was where Mary II would rest, relax, and of course, entertain.

P.S – My favourites here are The Queen’s Staircase and The Queen’s Gallery

Victoria: A Royal Childhood:

Before she came Queen Victoria, she was Princess Victoria — born and raised in Kensington Palace.

Fair warning, Victoria’s childhood wasn’t exactly pleasant, but the exhibition but does an excellent walk through into what life was really like being raised as a royal during that time.

The Jewel Room:

The Jewel Room features treasured gems from both Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, from dazzling tiaras to earrings and brooches.

All encapsulating the 19th century craftsmanship of the time.

Life Through a Royal Lens:

Life Through a Royal Lens is a rare chance to see an unpolished version of the royals in their most intimate moments.

From never-before-seen pictures of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip to family photo albums, it’s all here.

Visit the Sunken Garden:

The Sunken Garden was one of Princess Diana’s favourite parts of Kensington Palace, now serving as an ode to her memory.

Although you can’t go directly to her statue (commissioned by Prince Harry and Prince William to honour her service), I suggest getting as close as you can and taking in all the peace and serenity of the area.

Have Afternoon Tea at The Kensington Palace Pavilion and Tea Room:

One thing I regret not doing while at Kensington Palace was indulging in their delicious Afternoon Tea.

Taking place in the Kensington Palace Pavilion and Tea Room it’s the perfect way to end a day of royal exploring, with the backdrop of Kensington Palace of course.

Pro-tip: Use the latest Kensington Palace map from the Historic Royal Palaces to navigate your visit!

How Much Time To Spend at Kensington Palace?

To experience all of the main displays and exhibitions at Kensington Palace as well as Kensington Gardens, I suggest spending a minimum of 1½ to 3 hours.

This will give you time to see to The King’s State Apartment, Gallery & Staircase, The Queen’s State Apartment, Victoria: A Royal Childhood, Life Through a Royal Lens, The Jewel Room, exhibitions, visit Sunken Gardens and have an Afternoon Tea.

You’ll also be surrounded by the rest of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, so if you wanted to pop into the shops on Kensington High Street and have a picnic after/before or after your visit — you could easily spend the day here!

Practical Tips Fireround: Kensington Palace

Bathrooms at Kensington Palace:

There are 3 bathrooms on-site at the Stone Hall, the café or the Pigott Galleries at Life Through A Royal Lens.

Photography at Kensington Palace:

You can take photos inside Kensington Palace, without flash, but videography is not permitted (even on your phone!). There are also a few items that can’t be photographed in the palace due to loan arrangements.

Food & Drink at Kensington Palace:

If all that Kensington Palace exploring has left you hungry (or thirsty) you can visit either The Café or The Pavilion. The Café is best for a quick hot drink or refreshment, sandwiches, cakes and ice cream.

But if you’re looking for more The Pavilion offers a full Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea menu.

Wifi at Kensington Palace:

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Kensington Palace.

Accessibility at Kensington Palace:

If you need to bring a carer to Kensington Palace, you’re entitled to a free carer ticket which you can redeem at the visitor check-in. Describer and BSL interpretation tours are also available for the King’s State Apartments and Victoria: A Royal Childhood, but they must be booked in advance. Find more information .

Things to do Near Kensington Palace:

If you’re near Kensington Palace — definitely take the opportunity to explore the rest of Hyde Park, Kensington & South Kensington, and Harrods in Knightsbridge. You can also do my Knightsbridge to Kensington High Street Walk which ends at Kensington Palace.

Happy Londoning,

Read More on Kensington:

• The Best Things to do in Kensington, London
• Where to Brunch in Kensington: 10 Best Breakfast Spots
• A Royal Stay: 5 Stunning Hotels in Kensington, London
• Hotel Review: A Stay at the Resident Kensington
• The Best Kensington Hostels in London (from a Londoner)
• Knightsbridge to Kensington High Street Walk: London Walk Series (Episode #3)

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The Ultimate Guide to visiting Kensington Palace

Kensington palace ultimate guide.

From the outside, Kensington Palace seems like a deserted, almost eerie building, perched on the edge of Hyde Park. But inside the palace there is a treasure trove of royal rooms, items, paintings and even wardrobes that any royal enthusiast will appreciate.

Kensington Palace has been a royal residence for almost 300 years, and today it serves as the official London residence for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with their two children Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

During the 17th century, the palace was surrounded by lush countryside, and was considered to be the “perfect rural retreat” for members of the royal family. King William III and Queen Mary II first moved into the palace to help treat the king’s asthma, as it was believed that the air surrounding Kensington Palace could “help cure without medicines.”

But a dark cloud has always lingered over Kensington Palace, as it is said to be haunted by several different spirits. Not only that, but those who once resided inside the palace lived a depressing, and often isolated life. Both Princess Diana and Princess Margaret were said to have been unhappy when they lived at Kensington Palace, and Queen Mary II contracted smallpox within weeks of moving in; (she died shortly after at the age of 32). Furthermore, Queen Anne got pregnant 17 times when living at Kensington Palace, but none of her children survived to adulthood.

As a matter of fact, Kensington Palace was such a sad and dismal place for so many females who once lived there, one of the staircases was painted with portraits of valets, maids and babies in the hopes of “dispelling the curse” hanging over the palace.

Nevertheless, some pleasant as well as important royal events have taken place inside Kensington Palace throughout its history. Not only was Queen Victoria both born and raised there, she also met her future husband Albert inside the palace, and was even given the news of her accession at Kensington Palace in 1837 as well.

Kensington Palace Highlights

Despite its depressing history, Kensington Palace is essentially a hidden gem in Hyde Park, and thousands of tourists visit the palace each year.

If you choose to take a tour of Kensington Palace, there are four different “routes” which are included in your admission ticket. These routes include “Victoria Revealed” (an exhibition on the life of Queen Victoria), the King’s State Apartments (which educate visitors on the Hanoverian court), The Queen’s State Apartments (which focuses on the palace’s many royal residences like William and Mary, and George I), and “Fashion Rules” (an exhibition on the wardrobes of Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret and Princess Diana).

In recent years the Kensington Palace State Rooms underwent a massive renovation, and as a result, the majority of the rooms inside the palace look as if they’ve changed very little since the 17th century. Some of the many highlights inside the palace include The King’s Staircase, The King’s Gallery (the largest of the state apartments inside Kensington Palace), and The Privy Chamber (where Queen Caroline used to entertain guests).

Make sure you spend some extra time in Queen Victoria’s residence so you can read personal letters between her and Prince Albert, and even see her childrens’ toys and clothes. Also, be sure to check out the Kensington Palace gardens, which are famous in their own right.

Special Tips

Getting There

Visiting kensington palace.

Recommended visiting time for Kensington Palace is around two to three hours, depending on how much time you want to spend glancing over all the different exhibits.

The palace hosts a “History Bites” talk every day, during which a palace “expert” educates listeners on various different subjects related to the palace. These talks take place in the visitor areas of the palace, and there is no need to book in advance.

Visitors are also welcome to explore the palace at their own leisure, and can grab a Kensington Palace guide book for £5 during their visit to read up on its history, as well as all the different rooms they can visit.

There is a restaurant inside Kensington Palace (The Orangery) which offers breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, and the Palace Cafe also serves sandwiches, cakes and pastries; (admission inside the palace is not required).

Ticket prices and Opening Hours

Kensington Palace is open every day except December 24th, 25th and 26th.

From March 1st to October 31st, the palace is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (with last admission at 5 p.m.). Be aware that the palace closes at 4 p.m. during the winter months, and 5 p.m. during the summer months.

From March 1st to October 31st tickets cost:

• £16.90 online or £18 at the gate (for adults)
• £13.20 online or £14.30 at the gate (for seniors and students)

From November 1st to February 28th tickets cost:

• £15.40 online or £16.50 at the gate (for adults)
• £12.60 online or £13.70 at the gate (for seniors and students)

Children under the ages of 16 can get in for free, but must be accompanied by an adult during their visit.

There are also annual memberships available for £48 which include unlimited entry into London’s six most famous palaces for a year. There are also discount tickets available for groups of 15 people (or more) as well.

The Kensington Palace restaurant (The Orangery) is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, and the Palace Cafe is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Free Tours in Your Language

Visiting Kensington Palace – Tickets, Tours & FAQs

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: April 28, 2024

• Everything you need to know to plan and book your visit to Kensington Palace

Visiting Kensington Palace – Tickets & Tours

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Nearest Tube station – High Street Kensington (Circle and District lines) or Queensway (Central line)

How long to set aside for your visit?

It will take about two hours or more to explore the palace and its glorious gardens.

Tickets 

• Kensington Palace ticket

Good to know – Kensington Palace entry is included with The London Pass and the Go City  London Explorer Pass  

Combi tours 

Do note that some tours may not include entry to Kensington Palace, but only the gardens

• Kensington Palace gardens tour with Royal afternoon tea
• Three London Palaces walking tour plus Royal high tea

• Westminster walking tour with visit to Kensington Palace
• Evening London bike tour including Kensington Palace
• Private London walking tour with Kensington Palace

Visiting Kensington Palace

• Princess Diana lived at Kensington Palace. Princes William and Harry also spent some of their early years here. After their mother’s sudden death in 1997, the grounds outside the grand building were carpeted in floral tributes from members of the public. 
• Queen Victoria grew up at Kensington Palace. She also first met Prince Albert there. The V&A (Victoria and Albert) Museum in nearby South Kensington is named after the lovestruck Royal couple. Victoria lived there until she became Queen. 
• The so-called Kensington System was a stringent and detailed set of rules laid out by Victoria, Duchess of Kent and the mother of Queen Victoria. The system was meant to increase the young royal’s dependency on her mother, but in fact made her more strong-willed and independent than ever. 
• The late Princess Margaret, the sister of Queen Elizabeth II and the Countess of Snowdon, was one of the true socialites of Kensington Palace. She held lots of parties there during the 1960s, which were attended by the likes of the Beatles, actor Peter Sellers, ballet dancers Margot Fonteyn and ​​Rudolph Nureyev, actresses Britt Ekland and Elizabeth Taylor and even comedian Spike Milligan.
• King William III first bought Kensington Palace for health reasons. His fragile disposition reacted badly to the fog, dampness and smoke of central London, so he bought the building, which was then located in a village outside the capital. Ironically he died of pneumonia at the palace. It was formerly known simply as Nottingham House. 
• A book of drawings by Leonardo da Vinci was discovered at the palace in 1770. This was over 180 years after the Mona Lisa artist died. Drawings by Henry VIII’s court painter were also discovered during the 1700s – two centuries later. 
• The palace was used for practical purposes during both World Wars. In World War I, it was used for clerical reasons and the staff concerned had to adhere to rationing. When World War II was going on, Kensington Palace Gardens were used for military defence, but were also hit by a bomb which damaged parts of the palace, including the State Apartments. 
• Did you know that one of the Peter Pan books was set in Kensington Gardens? Author J. M. Barrie penned Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens as he lived locally. Various parts of the gardens feature in the fictional tale about the boy who never wanted to grow up. The Peter Pan statue in the gardens dates from 1912, only a few years after the book’s publication. 
• Despite her unhappy childhood spent at the palace, Queen Victoria saved the iconic palace during the final years of her life. Due to neglect, there was talk of the palace being razed to the ground in around 1897, but the Queen managed to turn its fortunes around. By 1899, the restored State Rooms at the palace were open to the public. 
• You can hire parts of the palace for a Royal (style) wedding or another event. Spaces such as the King’s Drawing Room, the Cupola, the Queen’s Gallery, the Privy Chamber and the King’s Gallery can be rented out.  

Kensington Palace Opening Times

Kensington Palace is open between Wednesday and Sunday, apart from planned closures such as exhibition preparation, restoration work or Royal events like the coronation of King Charles III. 

The palace opens between 10 am and 6 pm, with the last entry an hour earlier. It’s closed to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

The gardens are open to the public from 6 am daily. Closing times vary throughout the year. They range between 4.15 pm during most of December to 9.45 pm between early June and mid-July. 

The times reflect the hours of darkness in London. This is why they are seasonal. The UK’s shortest day is in mid to late December, and the longest in mid to late June. Entry to the gardens alone is free. 

Check opening times for the dates of your visit here . 

• Kensington Palace is open from Wednesday to Sunday and is closed on Monday and Tuesday. 
• If you can, visit on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday rather than on Saturday or Sunday. This is because weekends are busier. 
• The summer season is also a busy time for the palace. The UK school holidays run from mid-July to the start of September, so you can expect the palace to be busy during this period.
• For a more peaceful experience, get there before the palace opens for the day. Alternatively, visit in the afternoon, around two hours before closing time. 
• If you want to visit Kensington Palace Gardens only, or separately, you can do this between 6 am and nightfall. Closing times for the gardens vary according to the season and sunset times, though they are always open to pedestrians at 6 am. Entry to the gardens is free. 

There is plenty to see at Kensington Palace, plus you also have the gardens to explore. Inside, the King’s State Apartments, the Queen’s State Apartments, the King’s Staircase, the Jewel Room and the King’s Gallery are among the main attractions. 

Kensington Palace also hosts a regular programme of events. At the time of writing, for example, events included a Crown to Couture exhibition about historic and contemporary costumes. Victoria: A Royal Childhood also told the tale of the famous Queen’s formative years. 

Kensington Gardens is also a major attraction in its own right. Some of the highlights of this outside space include the Sunken Garden, the wildflower meadow in spring and summer, the shady Cradle Walk (aka Nanny Walk) and the Formal Gardens. 

• The Serpentine Galleries (in Kensington Gardens)
• The V&A (Victoria and Albert) Museum
• The Natural History Museum
• The Science Museum
• The Design Museum
• The Leighton House Museum
• The Royal Albert Hall
• Kensington High Street
• The Churchill Arms 
• Holland Park
• Knightsbridge – Harrods!
• Notting Hill

• If you can, buy tickets for Kensington Palace in advance. This means you can avoid queueing up to get in. It’s often busy here, especially in summer and at weekends. 
• The palace is closed for two days each week, on Mondays and Tuesdays. Part or all of it can also close for restoration work, the setting up of exhibitions and Royal events. 
• Though you’ll have to pay to tour the palace, entry to the gardens is free. They open daily at 6 am and close at around sunset. You can see the palace from the outside here. 
• Book an afternoon tea at the palace if you have time. It’s a splendid setting for such a quintessential British tradition. You can book this alongside your ticket via the links given at the top of this guide. 
• You can experience afternoon tea at the Kensington Palace Pavilion but if you prefer you can also find plenty of places to pick up food and drinks or eat at on Kensington High Street. 
• Do allow time for the gardens. They’re one of the highlights of the palace experience. They are free to enter, though, so returning on another day may be an option you could consider. 
• If you’re a fan of the late Princess Diana – the first wife of King Charles III – then don’t miss the Sunken Garden. This is said to have been one of her favourite spots of all. 
• It’s worth thinking about which London museums you want to visit before planning your day at the palace. Several prominent museums – including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the V&A are also in the Kensington area. This can save on travel time and costs. Entry is free to all three, though it’s worth checking whether online booking is required.
• Take the tube to the palace. High Street Kensington is a good one to go for, as it’s on both the Circle and District lines. You can also find lots of shops, cafes and so on right by the station. If you have access to the Central line, though, Queensway could be more convenient. 
• Try to plan your visit for a sunny day, if possible. This is tricky in a country with an often-wet climate, but exploring Kensington Gardens is far more pleasant when the sun is shining!
• The Tower of London
• Westminster Abbey
• The London Eye
• Windsor Castle
• Hampton Court Palace
• St Paul’s Cathedral

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Kensington Palace – tickets, prices, hours, what to see

Kensington Palace has stood by the British Royal family since the 17th century.

The walls of the Palace tell tales about Queen Vitoria’s childhood, King George II’s death, and everything in between.

Today the Palace serves as home to various royal families of England including, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

In this article, we explain everything you need to know before you visit Kensington Palace.

Top Kensington Palace Tickets

# Kensington Palace tickets # Royal Palaces Pass

Table of contents

What to expect, where to book tickets, how do online tickets work, kensington palace ticket prices, kensington palace tickets, how to reach the kensington palace, royal palaces pass, kensington palace hours, best time to visit kensington palace, the palace gardens, the queen’s state apartment, the king’s staircase, the king’s gallery, the king’s state apartment, the royal orangery, diana: her fashion story, wonderful experience, a must for victoria fans, kensington palace versus buckingham palace, kensington palace to windsor castle, the palace cafe, kensington palace pavilion and tea room, faqs about the kensington palace in london.

Since Queen Victoria’s public opening in 1899, the Palace has played an important role as a private residence and a public museum.

You will see the Grand Staircase, explore the King’s State Apartments, and visit the King’s Gallery. 

The opulent Cupola and Drawing Room pull you into a world of royalty, where history and grandeur come together.

Explore the Palace Gardens, including the serene Cradle Walk, the picturesque Sunken Garden, and many more.

With your Kensington Palace tickets, you will also get access to: 

• The Jewel Room
• The Queen’s State Apartments

You can read more about ticket inclusions in the ‘Inside the Palace’ section below.

Tickets for the Kensington Palace are available online. You must pre-book your tickets for a guaranteed entry.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper because of the exciting discounts.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the entrance.

When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.

Because Kensington Palace sells only limited tickets, they may sell out during peak days.

Booking early also helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

Go to the Kensington Palace ticket booking page.

Select the preferred date, time slot, and number of tickets and buy the tickets immediately.

Once you purchase the tickets, they get delivered to your email address.

There is no need to get printouts of the ticket.

You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction.

The entry ticket for the Kensington Palace is priced at £16 for visitors above 16 years.

Tickets for children between five and 15 years cost £8.

Full-time students and senior citizens (with a valid ID) can purchase a concession ticket for £12.

The ticket gives you access to every corner of the Palace that’s open to the public. Including the beautifully landscaped gardens.

With this ticket, you can also access “Diana: Her Fashion Story” exhibition.

Children under five years of age can enter for free.

Ticket Prices

Adult ticket (16 to 64 years):   £16 Child ticket (5 to 15 years):  £8 Student ticket (with valid ID):   £12 Seniors ticket (60+ years): £12

Discount Alert:  When you book tickets to Kew Gardens and Kensington Palace together, you get an additional 10% off. You can visit the attractions on different days.  Find Out More

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The Kensington Palace stands wide on the grounds of a royal park, Kensington Gardens.

Address: Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX, United Kingdom. Get Direction

If you are close enough, fire up your Google Maps and walk the distance. Directions to Kensington Palace

Else, public transport is the best way to get to Kensington Palace.

The Tube, Train, and Bus are very tourist-friendly and can take you from anywhere in London to the Palace.

You can get onto the bus with route numbers 70, 94, 148, or 390 and get down at Bayswater Road.

Or board any bus with route numbers 9, 10, 49, 52, 70, and 452 and get off at Kensington High Street.

The nearest tube stations to the Palace are High Street Kensington and Queensway. From both the stations, a brisk 10-15 minutes walk can take you to the Palace.

The nearest station is Paddington. It takes around 20 mins on foot to get to Kensington Palace.

By Hop-on, hop-off buses

All Hop-on, Hop-Off tour buses visit Kensington Palace.

Big Bus has a stop on the North side of the Kensington Gardens.

Note: If you don’t want to handle all the travel yourself, a hop-on hop-off bus tour of London is the best option.

If you are holidaying in London for more than three days, and have a keen interest in Palaces, this is a perfect discount Pass for you.

The Royal Palaces Pass comes in two flavors –

The 3-Palace Pass, using which you can ‘skip the line’ and enter Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Gardens, and Kensington Palace.

The 4-Palace Pass, besides the top three palaces, also allows access to Banqueting House in Whitehall.

The validity of this London’s Palace Pass is two years after the first activation.

Cost of 3-Palaces Pass

For adults (16+ years):  59 Pounds For kids (5 to 15 years): 28.40 Pounds

Cost of 4-Palaces Pass

For adults (16+ years): 65 Pounds For kids (5 to 15 years):  28.40 Pounds

Important:  Or if you want to buy one Discount Pass and visit most attractions for free (and that too ‘skip the line’ access), check out the London Explorer Pass.

The Kensington Palace stays closed from 29 October to 12 December 2023. Only the Pavilion & Sunken Garden are open from 10 am to 4 pm from Wednesday to Sunday.

From 13 December 2023, the Kensington Palace opens at 10 am and closes at 4 pm from Wednesday to Sunday.

The Palace remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The last entry is at 3 pm.

Kensington Palace gates are open to the public throughout the year, except on 24, 25, and 26 December.

Being one of the popular tourist spots, Kensington Palace is busy most of the time.

The best time to visit Kensington Palace is post-lunch – from 2 pm to 3 pm because by then, the big tourist groups are done with their tours.

Since the Palace closes at 6 pm (in the summers), this will give you a good two to three hours to explore this London attraction.

In winter you must reach the attraction by 2 pm because it closes early – at 4 pm.

For parents visiting with children, the last Saturday of the month is the best option because the Kensington Palace organizes various activities for kids under 13 years.

Go ahead,  buy Kensington Palace tickets .

When you  buy Kew Gardens and Kensington Palace tickets  together, you get a 10% discount code, which you can use (five times!) to get discounts on future purchases.

Inside Kensington Palace

The 300-year-old history of the British Royal family is visible both outside and inside the Kensington Palace.

Here are the must-see places in Kensington Palace.

The Kensington Gardens have evolved with the Monarchs of England.

They started as playgrounds centuries ago.

The flower beds were added by William and Mary.

In 1702 they were modified as an English-style garden by Queen Anne.

Queen Caroline, in 1928 ensured lakes and ponds adorned the gardens.

Dedicated to Queen Mary, Queen’s State Apartment dictates the story of Monarchs and reflects their high taste.

The Queen’s Staircase is plain compared to King’s but leads to her beautiful Dutch flowerbeds.

Filled with artifacts from around the world, the Queen’s Gallery is a place where Queen Mary enjoyed her needlework.

The King and Queen enjoyed their meals together in the Queen’s dining room.

Queen’s drawing-room is next to the dining room. Here she displayed her love for pieces from China and Japan.

Queen’s bedroom is further down – the room which witnessed the birth of James Edward Stuart and his imposter rumors.

Famous for the vivid paintings by William Kent, the King’s Staircase displays lively and intriguing characters from the 18th century.

The paintings include identifiable members of the court in their red uniforms.

The paintings also include Kent himself and many other King’s specials like his page.

The paintings made by Kent covered much of the plain wooden panels, making it far more interesting than the Queen’s staircase.

The King’s gallery is the largest and the most extended state apartment in the Palace.

The gallery still carries the same aura and ceiling canvases painted by Kent, showing instances from the life of Ulysses.

The room witnessed many intimate moments – from the Duke of Gloucester’s childhood to the King’s death.

During your tour of Kensington Palace, don’t miss out on the wind dial, which is still in working condition.

Built for audience and meetings, the rooms in the King’s State Apartment promise a grand experience.

The King’s staircase, grand and vivid, leads to the State Apartment.

It is followed by the Presence Chamber with its astonishing fireplace, where King met ambassadors and courtiers.

The magnificent ceiling painted by Kent beautifies the Privy Chamber, Queen Caroline’s favorite spot in the whole Palace.

The Cupola Room is also a finely decorated room and was William Kent’s first royal commission.

The climax of the whole set of rooms is the King’s Drawing room.

During your visit, don’t miss out on the paintings of Venus and Cupid done by Vasari.

The last and the longest room of the King’s Apartments is the King’s State Gallery.

Located in the Kensington Gardens, the baroque Orangey was developed by Queen Anne between 1704-05.

The orangery was a party place for Queen Anne and had an underground heating system.

During winter, the Orangery was used as a plant conservatory.

Today, it houses the Orangery Restaurant, a perfect location to enjoy splendid views of Kensington Gardens.

This exhibit lets you step into the closet of the people’s Princess, Diana.

The exhibit map her fashion journey from the outfit she was wearing during her first royal appearance to the outfits she was wearing before her untimely death.

You can also spot the famous ink blue color velvet gown worn at the White House.

One of the latest pieces, the blue tartan Emanuel coat, was displayed in 2017.

Besides displaying her iconic outfits, the exhibition also shows her relation with her old home, Kensington Palace.

Most tourists who visit Kensington Palace also explore the Tower of London.  Buy combo ticket

Kensington Palace reviews

Kensington Palace is highly rated on Tripadvisor .

Check out two of the Kensington Palace reviews we have picked up, to give you an idea of what visitors feel about this place.

What a lovely Palace to visit. Certainly in the top 2 for the whole of the UK. The beautiful emerald jewels on display, the history in each room with good detailing of memorabilia. The absolute highlight is Diana. The Princess of class and grace, the selection of garments on display was thoroughly interesting and so lovely to see. A must see. Well worth the entry fee. – Whatdathink , Sydney

If you are a Victoria fan, you will love seeing the section of her rooms, including a dress she wore, her nursery and toys from childhood, several pictures, some jewellery. Very tastefully and well done, books in each room give you a self-guided tour of what is on display, and guides do regular talks in the rooms which make it even more interesting! – LookingForFamilyFun

Kensington Palace used to be the favorite Palace of the British Kings and Queens until 1760.

The British royals started preferring Buckingham Palace from the mid-18th century.

Only two Miles (3.2 Kms) separate the two Palaces.

We feel both the Palaces have their uniqueness, and it won’t hurt to see both.

However, if it is a question of either Kensington Palace or Buckingham Palace, we do have an answer.

Buckingham Palace is only open to the public a couple of months a year – between July and October.

If your London holiday falls in these months, by all means, book your Buckingham Palace tickets .

If not, go ahead and visit Kensington Palace right away !

Many tourists plan both Kensington Palace and Windsor Castle on the same day.

After exploring Kensington Palace in the morning, they move on to Windsor.

If you want to move between the two Palaces, public transport is the best option.

Ride the train from Kensington Palace to Windsor Castle via London Paddington Slough, Windsor, and Elton Central.

You can reach Windsor Castle in approximately 1 hr 15 mins.

If you prefer a bus, opt for the one operated hourly by Green Line services.

The bus also takes the same amount of time – 1 hr 15 mins – and the ride costs 11 Pounds per person.

A faster yet costlier option is taking a taxi. In 30 mins and 75 to 90 Pounds you can reach Windsor Castle.

Food at Kensington Palace

While feasting your eyes at this Palace, you can stop over for good food and drinks.

This cafe is in front of the Palace, and you don’t need an entry ticket to dine here.

It is just the right place to relax before or after your tour of the Palace.

Winter timing (Nov to Feb): 10 am to 4 pm Summer timing (Mar to Oct):  10 am to 6 pm

Opposite the Sunken Garden, this restaurant offers a splendid lunch and breakfast.

If you fancy a cup of tea, be here from 12 pm to 4 pm with a prior reservation.

Winter timing (Nov to Feb):  10 am to 4 pm Summer timing (Mar to Oct):  10 am to 6 pm.

However, eating in the Palace is prohibited except in designated places.

You can ditch the above two options and enjoy a picnic in the Kensington gardens as well.

Here are some FAQs about the Kensignton Palace London.

If you can’t make it within your selected timeslot, the admissions team will try to fit you into the next available timeslot. Please remember that the later timeslots may be fully booked, and availability cannot always be guaranteed on the day.

Yes. Just open your ticket on your smartphone and make sure the QR code is visible for presentation at the Palace entrance.

No, there are no storage facilities available. Please note that suitcases, large bags, and rolling luggage are prohibited inside the Palace buildings. It’s advisable to travel light and leave such items elsewhere during your visit.

Non-commercial photography without flash is generally allowed inside the palace. However, some areas may be off-limits. Filming, panoramic photography, and tripod/selfie stick use are prohibited.

You can spend as much time as you like within Kensington Palace and Kensington Gardens during their opening hours. However, for a comprehensive visit, we recommend setting aside approximately 2-3 hours to explore and enjoy the experience to the fullest.

Please note that adults are generally not allowed to enter the palace in costume unless it is explicitly stated as part of a specific event organized by Historic Royal Palaces.

Sources # Hrp.org.uk # Wikipedia.org # Royal.uk # Royalparks.org.uk The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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This article was researched & written by

Sri Venkat Mamidi

Sri Venkat Mamidi finds staying in one place boring. He travels to learn about different people, cultures, beliefs, religions, and other things he doesn't know yet. For him, traveling is not about escaping the daily routine but finding out who he really is. Favorite Cities: New Orleans, Budapest, Cape Town.

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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Inside Kensington Palace, The Complete Guide

Kensington Palace is a historic treasure trove steeped in over 300 years of royal history. Nestled amidst the lush Kensington Gardens, the palace has witnessed countless tales of love, power, and intrigue.

The Stuart monarchs, King William III and Queen Mary II, acquired the country estate in the late 17th century and transformed it into a palace. Since then, Kensington Palace has played a pivotal role in the lives of British monarchs and nobility.

On a visit, you can step back in time and explore the regal halls, opulent apartments, and enchanting gardens where young royals like Queen Victoria, Princess Diana, and William and Kate lived.

In fact, the palace is a bit of a shrine to Diana, since her death in 1997.

You will see “history hotspots” around the palace where events that shaped the nation took place.

The palace is also home to a fairly good collection of royal portraits. Not the quality you’ll find at the National Portrait Gallery, but still solid nonetheless.

In this Kensington Palace guide, I tell you everything to see at the palace and give you must know tips for visiting.

>>> Click here to pre-book a timed entry ticket

Guide To Kensington Palace: What To See

Here are the highlights you’ll see on a visit. As you explore, you’ll follow a well-marked museum path with clear arrows guiding your way.

The royal apartments are those of the Stuart monarchs, William III and Mary II, Queen Mary II, Queen Anne, and King George I. They were the first British royal dynasty to call Kensington home.

You won’t see the private apartments of the modern royals. Those are strictly off limits.

King’s Staircase & Mural

The King’s Staircase was designed by William Kent. It’s marble and wrought iron.

George I also commissioned him to paint the the tromp l’oeil staircase murals in 1726. The imaginary architecture framing the painting was inspired by palaces in Rome . Every person depicted in the mural was once a visitor to the palace.

King’s State Apartments

The staircase leads you up to the first circuit of rooms, the King’s State Apartments.

You’ll pass through the Presence Camber, the Privy Chamber, the Cupola Room, the Throne Room, and the King’s Drawing Room. They all have interesting ceilings.

The Throne Room was where the monarchs and courtiers were immediately greeted by the throne and canopy of state, symbols of the monarchy. Even if the king were absent, visitors would still be expected to bow to the throne.

The Presence Chamber has a Pompeiian style fresco of Apollo in his chariot, inspired by villas like the House of Augustus in Rome.

The Privy Chamber has a magnificent ceiling painted by William Kent in 1723. It depicts the Roman gods of Mars and Minerva surrounded by allegories of the arts and sciences.

Kent was also responsible for the ceiling in the Cupola Room. The strange object you see in the center of the room is an oversize music box that played music by Handel.

The King’s Drawing Room caused a famous royal argument. In 1735, while King George was away, Queen Caroline replaced the Italian paintings with artworks by Anthony Van Dyke.

This infuriated the king! He insisted they be re-installed. Even the “Fat Venus” painting by Giorgio Vasari that Caroline hated.

King’s Gallery

The King’s Gallery was built for William II in 1700. But it was redecorated in 1725 by Kent.

It’s now done up in red damask and red curtains. Seven large ceiling frescos show scenes from the life of Ulysses.

There are paintings by the 16th and 17th century Italian artists, including Veronese, Bassano, and Tintoretto.

Queen’s State Apartments

In the Queen’s apartments, the museum lifts the curtain on the lives of Mary II, Queen Anne, and the House of Stuart family.

As was the fashion of the day, the rooms are deliberately plainer and more intimate than those of the king.

You will stroll through the Queen’s Gallery, the Queen’s Closet, the Queen’s Dining Room, and the Queen’s Bedroom.

The Queen’s Gallery has portraits of William and Mary. This was a social room, where the queen’s ladies in waiting would gather.

If the queen needed an escape, she withdrew to the Queen’s Closet. It’s a wood paneled room hung with blue silk damask and filled with lacquer furniture. It displays Mary’s porcelain collection and was once filled with pillows for her pugs.

The Jewel Room displays jewelry that Prince Albert commissioned for Queen Victoria.

There is a magnificent diamond and emerald tiara, emerald necklace, earrings and a broach. You can see the exquisite craftsmanship of 19th century goldsmiths and Prince Albert’s unique design tastes.

There are also two diamond tiaras, the Kokoshnik tiara and Fife tiara. They belonged to her granddaughter, Princess Louise.

Victoria often chose to wear a tiara instead of a crown to avoid an overt display of superiority over her husband.

Victoria: Royal Childhood Exhibit

Queen Victoria was born at Kensington Palace on May 24, 1819. On that day, she was 5th in line for the throne.

Her parents traveled to England from Germany so that their baby could be born in England. She arrived safely, with her mum saying she was “a pretty little Princess, plump as a partridge.”

This exhibit follows the young princess’ journey from her birth to the bitter feuds that plagued her adolescence to her formative years as one of Britina’s most significant monarchs.

As a young girl, Victoria loved dressing up, writing stories, and making costumes for her dolls. She loved going to the opera and ballet.

During that time, the palace was governed by a strict set of rules known as the “Kensington System,” devised by the Victoria’s mother and her advisor, Sir John Conroy.

This system aimed to control and isolate the young princess and restrict her contact with the outside world. Not surprisingly, this lead to conflicts within the royal family and Victoria’s rebellion.

At age 18, Victoria became queen and moved into Buckingham Palace. Her coronation took place at Westminster Abbey .

At age 20, Victoria married Prince Albert. It was a love match that produced 9 children.

Palace Gardens

Much care and expense has been lavished on the palace gardens, which changed depending on the royal in residence and the current fashion.

In 2012, the gardens were again transformed, reconnecting the building with its landscape setting.

One thing that remains is Queen Anne’s magnificent Orangery. It’s a Baroque style brick building designed by the architect Sir John Vanbrugh.

It was originally used to house and protect citrus trees and other tender plants during the winter months.

The Sunken Garden is one of the pretties parts of the garden. It was a favorite haunt of Princess Diana. And a bronze statue of Diana was unveiled in 2021, on what would have been her 60th birthday.

Prince Harry and Meghan posed for their engagement photos in the Sunken Garden in 2017.

The best part is that you don’t need a ticket to visit the gardens.

Who Lived At Kensington Palace?

So who lived at Kensington Palace and what were some of the famous goings on?

In its 300 year history, the palace was a venue for personal rivalry and intrigue. The palace even bills itself as the original fashion catwalk.

The first couple to make Kensington a royal palace were William and Mary, who reigned from 1689 to 1702. Mary wasn’t pleased with the match, but they became a loving couple.

In the late 17th century, Queen Anne, the younger sister of Mary, lived there.

Her close relationship with her confidant and rumored lover, Sarah Churchill, the Duchess of Marlborough, was the subject of much court gossip.

In 1710, they had a rousing fight in the Queen’s Closet and fell out forever. The Churchills were ostracized from the royal court.

In the 18th century, Kensington Palace was the residence of King George II and Queen Caroline. Their tumultuous marriage was marked by numerous extramarital affairs and scandals, some of which played out within the palace walls.

The king didn’t even get along with his son, who would become George III (the king who lost the colonies).

In May 1818, the future Queen Victoria was born in the palace.

On June 20, 1837, she was awoken early in the morning and told she was the new sovereign. As I mentioned above, she relished her independence and banished her mother to the other end of the palace.

Princess Margaret, the sister of Elizabeth II, lived at Kensington Palace with Lord Snowden, a fashionable photographer.

They led a vibrant social life and hosted glamorous parties for a time. But they eventually divorced over extramarital divorces, which caused “open warfare” at the palace.

In 1982, then Prince Charles and Princess Diana moved in to Apartments 8 and 9. Diana transformed from a shy young woman into a stylish princess and hands on mother. Prince William and Harry grew up in the palace.

After the couple separated, Diana continued to live in Apartment 9. In her palace sitting room, the “people’s princess” gave her famous candid interview to Marin Bashir, in which she smashed taboos about what a royal could say in public.

Upon Diana’s death, thousands of flowers and bouquets were left at the palace. It’s one of the most iconic images of the palace.

In 2013, Prince William and Kate Middleton, then known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, moved in to Apartment 1A for a few years. They converted Diana’s Apartment 9 into administrative offices.

Today, the palace is still a haunt for young royals.

Practical Guide & Tips For Kensington Palace

Address : Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX. The entrance is near the Queen Victoria statue, which is currently under restoration. The palace is a stop on the hop on hop off bus tour .

Hours : From March 1 to October 31, open Wednesday through Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. In winter, open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Admission :

25.40 euros adults, 20.30 euros seniors and students, and 12.70 euros for children under 15.

Click here to pre-book a timed entry ticket. There will be two entry lines corresponding to the time on your ticket. So be sure to get in the correct line.

The palace is also included in the  London Pass . You may want to book a royal Kensington walking tour .

There are leather bound guides for each room, describing its contents and the paintings. You can take still photos. But you can’t use flash or take videos. No selfie sticks or tripods either.

If you are expecting to see the royal dress collection, it’s actually housed at Windsor Castle . Princess Diana’s dresses have been on display in the past. There is currently a temporary exhibit of her wedding dress, with its famous 25 foot train, in the Orangery.

Special Exhibitions :

The palace puts on special exhibitions. They seem to be geared toward fashion. When I’ve visited, I’ve seen an exhibit on Princess Dianas’s dresses and another on Crown to Couture. Unfortunately, the last exhibit obscured some of the historical paintings.

Afternoon Tea :

If you can’t resist an elegant tea, Kensington Palace offers them in the pavilion. You’ll definitely need to book a spot in advance anytime between 10:00 am and 4:30 pm.

>>> Click here to book a garden tour with high tea

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to Kensington Palace. You may enjoy these other London travel guides and resources:

• 3 Day Itinerary for London
• 5 Day Itinerary for London
• Hidden Gems in London
• Tourist Traps To Avoid in London
• Best Museums in London
• Day Trips from London
• Harry Potter Places in London
• Guide to the Tower of London
• Guide to the Churchill War Rooms
• Guide To the National Gallery of Art

If you need a guide to Kensington Palace, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on November 27, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

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Top 10 Things To See at Kensington Palace in London in 2024

Angel Castellanos Last Updated: September 26, 2023

Heading to London and not sure whether to visit Kensington Palace or what to see there? The answer is yes! The palace has been home to members of the royal family for 300 years. It’s full of history and a definite must-see. To make sure you don’t miss the highlights, I’ve listed the top things to see at Kensington Palace with a bit of history to guide you.

Pro Tip:  It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Bookmark this post along with our  London Guide and the top restaurants near the palace. Also, the best way to visit is on a  guided London tour —you won’t have to worry about tickets and your guide will make sure you see it all!

The 10 Best Things To See at Kensington Palace

If you’re in London, visiting Kensington Palace is a must. For over three centuries, it was home to the kings and queens of England. Its walls have seen many historical events that shaped the nation.

In the 19th century, a young princess was born here. Queen Victoria grew up in the palace and became one of the most famous queens in British history. She moved out of Kensington Palace and was the last reigning monarch to live there.

For most of the 20th century, Kensington Palace was also home to minor royal family members. So many of Queen Victoria’s relations and grandchildren were living at the palace in the early part of the 20th century that King Edward VIII famously called the palace “the Aunt heap.”

In recent decades, Diana, Princess of Wales, called the palace home. Who could forget the moving images of the sea of flowers laid against the south fence as the nation mourned her? Her children, Prince William and Prince Harry, continued to live in Kensington Palace until recent years.

It’s this long Royal history that makes Kensington Palace an important place and a must-see on your trip to London. To help you get the most out of your visit, here are the top things to see at Kensington Palace. Want to know all about the history of London’s great monuments? See the city with an expert guide in our top-rated London tours .

Not ready to book a tour? See if London tours are worth it .

10. Bronze Statue of King William III

The statue on the south side of Kensington Palace is of King William III. It was presented to King Edward VII in 1907. The statue is a fine example of bronze casting and is considered an essential work of art in its own right.

King William III was one of the most influential and important figures in British history. This statue is a testament to his legacy. He ruled as King of England and Scotland from 1689 to 1702 and played a crucial role in shaping Britain’s political and cultural landscape during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

William, the Stadtholder, or ruler of the United Netherlands, married his cousin Mary. She was James II’s elder daughter. After several false starts, William invaded. James abdicated the throne, and a joint rule between the English Mary and her Dutch husband, William, was proposed and accepted.

William, who had asthma, could not live comfortably by the river at the damp old Palace of Whitehall. They acquired Nottingham House in Kensington as a more central London base.

With the help of the architect Sir Christopher Wren, William and Mary began to make great revisions and additions to Nottingham House. At this point, it became Kensington Palace.

Location: Statue of William III of Orange

9. The Iconic Statue of Queen Victoria by Princess Louise

You’ll find the statue of Queen Victoria outside Kensington Palace on Broad Walk, facing the large round pond. Many visitors don’t know that Princess Louise, the sixth daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, was a talented artist and the sculptor behind this imposing statue. Her home studio was inside Kensington Palace.

The statue, in honor of her mother’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897, features a young Queen Victoria sitting on a throne. She is portrayed in her coronation robes, with a crown on her head and a scepter in her hand. Inscribed are the words “Queen Victoria, Empress of India, Born May 24, 1819, Ascended the Throne June 20, 1837, Died January 22, 1901.”

The statue of Queen Victoria is a testament to the love and admiration that Princess Louise had for her mother and serves as a reminder of the queen’s reign, which was, until recently, the longest in British history.

Location: Queen Victoria Statue

Popular London Tours

Best Selling Tour

Legends and Lore Tour of the Tower of London

How can you explore London’s top attractions without getting overwhelmed? By joining this guided small group tour! With 1,000 years of history and acres of buildings, the Tower of London is easier to explore and understand with the help of your local guide. Best of all, you’ll even see the famous crown jewels and have a boat ride down the River Thames.

Top Selling Tour

London Walking Tour with Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard

This is the perfect tour for someone who wants to get to know the real Westminster Abbey. With skip-the-line entry, you get some quiet time in the nave of the abbey with your guide and small group before exploring the tombs of notable kings, queens, philosophers, and more. Depending on the day, you’ll even get to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out the best London tours to take and why .

8. The Sunken Garden

Surrounded by towering trees and lush greenery, the sunken garden outside Kensington Palace is a tranquil oasis in the heart of London. You might remember it from HRH Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex’s engagement to Meghan Markle.

The garden is a perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. There are a series of formal flowerbeds arranged in a symmetrical pattern, which feature a vibrant display of blooms throughout the year. The garden is also home to a beautiful fountain. The latest edition is the touching memorial statue to the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

The sunken garden was created in the late 19th century and restored to its former glory in recent years. In the official biography of Queen Mary of Teck (the Grandmother of the late Queen Elizabeth II), royal biographer Hennesy-Pope notes that she spent many hours here while growing up in the palace. Her future father-in-law, King Edward VII, opened the gardens the way we see them today in 1909.

The garden is open to the public and free to visit. You can enjoy a stroll through the garden or simply sit and take in the peaceful surroundings. It’s a true hidden gem and a must-visit for anyone looking for a moment of calm amid busy London life.

Location: Princess Diana Memorial Garden

7. The Orangery

The Orangery at Kensington Palace is a historic external building and an architectural gem. Nicholas Hawksmoor (who has a fantastic restaurant named after him) built the Orangery in the late 17th century for Queen Anne. It served as a greenhouse for the palace’s orange trees.

If you’re looking for a place for afternoon tea, look no further. You can go to the small café as you exit the palace or you can have tea in the stunning Orangery, which is one of the top places to have Afternoon Tea in London .

Inside the Orangery, you’ll find an elegant interior. There are high ceilings, large windows, and intricate details. The building’s original architectural features have been carefully preserved and incorporated into the modern design, which add a touch of historic charm to the space. Beautiful gardens, including the Sunken Garden, surround the Orangery.

Location: The Orangery

6. The King’s State Apartments

The King’s State Apartments at Kensington Palace are a series of beautifully furnished rooms fit for royalty. These opulent rooms aim to impress visiting dignitaries and courtiers.

Within the State Apartments, you’ll see the King’s Staircase (pictured), The Presence Chamber, The Privy Chamber, The Cupola Room, and the King’s Gallery. All of these magnificent spaces will transport you to 17th-century England.

The apartments are in their original grandeur due to meticulous restoration. They feature ornate ceilings, elaborate chandeliers, and stunning works of art. Visitors can admire the intricate details of the gilded moldings, intricate carvings, and the richly colored fabrics adorning the walls and furnishings.

Each room has its own unique style and character. They reflect the tastes and preferences of the monarchs living in the palace. From the formal Drawing Room to the regal Throne Room, each space is a testament to the opulence and luxury of life at the palace during the reigns of King William III and Queen Mary II.

Today, the King’s State Apartments at Kensington Palace are open to the public. When you visit, you’ll get a glimpse of the British monarchy’s rich history and lavish lifestyle.

Location: Kensington Palace

5. The King’s Gallery

The King’s Gallery at Kensington Palace is a magnificent long gallery that King William III once used for private and public functions. This grand space, which runs the length of the palace, is lined with large windows. They flood the space with ample natural light and offer stunning views of the palace gardens.

Sir Christopher Wren, the architect of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, built this wing of the palace. The gallery is adorned with ornate moldings, gilded details, and elaborate ceiling paintings. Together, these features create a regal atmosphere.

The King’s Gallery is home to a collection of stunning paintings, many commissioned by King William III and Queen Mary II in the late 17th century. Visitors can admire the exquisite works of art displayed along the walls, including portraits of notable figures from the time of King William III. You’ll also see critical historical events and scenes from classical mythology portrayed.

Many of the portraits are works by leading artists of the day. They feature prominent figures from the court of King William III and members of the royal family. The landscape and seascape paintings give you a glimpse into the natural world of the time. You’ll also see scenes from classical mythology depicting well-known stories from Greek and Roman legends. My favorite is the giant painting of the doomed King Charles I on horseback by dutch master Van Dyck.

The King’s Gallery is also known for its acoustics. It was designed to enhance music and conversation. Whether you’re a lover of art or a student of history, the paintings in the King’s Gallery at Kensington Palace are a must-see.

4. The Queen’s Apartments

The Queen’s Apartments at Kensington Palace are a series of luxurious rooms that the queens of England once used. These elegant spaces are rich in history. They reflect the tastes and preferences of the many monarchs who have lived in the palace over the centuries.

Queen Anne had a famous friendship with Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough. Their relationship is the basis of the Hollywood movie, “The Favourite.” These are the rooms where their tumultuous relationship played out.

The apartments feature richly colored fabrics, ornate moldings, and elegant furnishings, carefully preserved to maintain their original grandeur. You’ll love the intricate details of the gilded moldings, the delicate carvings, and the beautiful chandeliers. Each room has a unique character, reflecting the different personalities and tastes of the queens living in the palace.

From the stately bed chambers to the grand Drawing Room, each space is a testament to the opulence and luxury of life at the palace. Today, the Queen’s Apartments are open to the public, so you can get an idea of what it might be like to live like royalty.

3. Princess Victoria’s Bedroom

The iconic monarch once used this bedroom at Kensington Palace. The room features a large four-poster bed, surrounded by richly colored fabrics and elegant furnishings that maintain their original grandeur.

The bedroom is part of Queen Victoria’s State Apartments, which she lived in as a young princess and later as a queen. They include her bedroom, dressing room, and private sitting room.

Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of beautiful interiors, or simply looking for a fascinating experience, don’t miss these rooms that shaped the history of the monarchy.

2. The Blue Drawing Room

The Blue Drawing Room is one of the many highlights of Kensington Palace. It’s considered one of London’s finest examples of Georgian architecture (1714-1830).

The 18-year-old Queen Victoria first met her Ascension Council in the Blue Drawing Room. This council was a group of advisors and officials who helped prepare Victoria for her role as queen.

They provided her with information and guidance on the responsibilities and duties of the monarchy. This initial meeting was a significant moment in young Victoria’s reign. It marked the beginning of her journey as queen and set the stage for her long and influential reign.

This room served multiple purposes for various events during her reign. Private audiences, official receptions, and state banquets were held here. Today, you can visit the Blue Drawing Room at Kensington Palace.

1. The Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection

The Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection is a rotating exhibition with a fascinating display of official royal dresses and garments of national importance.

It includes a variety of garments and accessories from different periods in history. There are pieces from British royal family members such as King George III, Queen Victoria, Princess Diana, and Queen Elizabeth II.

There’s a wide range of items on rotation from elegant evening gowns, stunning wedding dresses, and ceremonial robes to practical daywear and military uniforms. If you’re interested in history and fashion, this is definitely for you.

Not ready to book a tour? Discover the top things to see at Windsor Castle .

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About Angel Castellanos

Angel Castellanos, www.AngelsTravelLounge.com , is a multi-media travel expert and travel journalist that has appeared on BBC News, Los Angeles Times, Fox News, ABC, NBC, CBS, Univision, Frommers Radio, USA Today. Angel is also an acclaimed speaker appearing as a featured travel expert with the Travel & Adventure Show and New York Times Travel Show. 80+ Countries, 5 Continents and counting. He's passionate about travel to Europe, especially to Italy & France, countries he's visited every year of his adult life.

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Kensington Palace, London

Kensington palace's history.

Kensington Palace has a rich royal history. It can boast of being the birth place of Queen Victoria and the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, not to mention being the home of a host of Georgian monarchs who have all left their mark on this impressive Palace.

You can explore their vast state apartments which contain an array of beautiful paintings and sculptures.

Kensington Palace is located at the western end of Kensington Gardens which extends seamlessly from Hyde Park, London's largest royal park.

In recent times the late Princess Diana is often associated with Kensington Palace, and around Kensington Palace there are reminders of her life from the official memorial to her, a children's playground, she even has a local cafe that she used to frequent with her children dedicated to her memory.

Why not make it an extra special London day out and combine your Kensington Palace tickets with Fish and Chips meal from Poppie's Restaurant ?

BOOK TICKETS   What you'll see   Opening times & location   About Kensington Palace tickets   Kensington Palace with attraction pass/2FOR1   Other royal palaces in London  

KENSINGTON PALACE TICKETS

Visit the former home of Queen Victoria and Princess Diana, official London home of HRH William and HRH Kate

• Admission to Kensington Palace and Gardens • King's and Queen's State Apartments • Paintings from the Royal Collection • Sunken garden • The King’s Drawing Room, the Cupola Room and Queen Caroline’s Closet • Changing exhibitions

KENSINGTON PALACE AND FISH & CHIPS MEAL

Kensington Palace tickets & Fish & Chips meal

• Admission to Kensington Palace and Gardens • King's and Queen's State Apartments • Paintings from the Royal Collection • Fish & Chips Meal from Poppie's Restaurant

Kensington Palace - what will I see?

Once inside, you explore the extravagant rooms and spaces that have figured in many royal dramas through the ages. Wander through the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments, where you’ll see rare works from the Royal Collection.

The Queen's apartments were where Mary, and later royal consorts, lived. This is where they had their bedroom, took their meals, entertained their friends and distinguished guests, and relaxed.

The King’s apartments looks at more formal aspects of royal life where the monarch received courtiers, ministers and foreign ambassadors.

At the Jewel Room you can see an incredible suite of jewellery, including specially commissioned gems for Queen Victoria, such as her beautiful tiara.

Kensington Palace Gardens

Finish your Kensington Palace tour by heading outside to walk through the exquisite and popular Kensington Palace Gardens. Here you can visit the Sunken Garden, where you can see the statue of Diana, Princess of Wales, commissioned by her sons and unveiled in 2021, for what would have been her 60th birthday. (Specific opening times apply.)

Kensington Palace official website

Kensington Palace - opening times and location

We recommend allowing around 2 hours to visit.

Kensington Palace opening times

Kensington Palace is is open 7 days a week all year round, except 24 - 26 December.

Doors open at 10am and closing time is 6pm with last entry 1 hour prior. In the winter months, November to February closing time is 4pm.

Location of Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace Palace is situated within Kensington Gardens a royal park that is seamlessly joined to Hyde Park. There is lots to do and see within Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens and especially at weekends there are large events from concerts to fun runs.

Within easy walking distance is Portobello Market, the Royal Albert Hall, Harrods Department Store and the South Kensington Museums (Science Museum, National History Museum and V&A Museum).

Nearest Underground station

Queensway Underground Station (Central Line) is opposite a main entrance to Kensington Gardens. It's a 5-10 minute walk past the Princess Diana Children's Playground to the palace itself.

Hop-on, hop-off buses

All of London's hop on, hop off sightseeing buses have a stop for Kensington Palace on the south side of Kensington Gardens. Big Bus also have a stop on the north side of Kensington Gardens at Bayswater very close to Queensway Underground Station.

Worth knowing

We have a self-guided Kensington walk that visits Kensington Palace, as well as Portobello Market, South Kensington Museums and much more.

Kensington Palace tickets

Tickets are priced for adults age 18 - 64 years . Concessions are available for children, full-time students, seniors and people with a disability.

Tickets must be booked in advance to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment. Visitor numbers are limited and many dates and timeslots are sold out in advance.

Third party sellers

Tickets from third party sellers (banner link below) typically match the price of tickets from the Kensington Palace official website, (link above).

Queues at Kensington Palace

Entrance queues at Kensington Palace are not really an issue, as the pre-booking system which requires you to book in advance runs smoothly.

Group ticket savings for 15 or more people

Groups of 15 people or more can save on ticket prices . Online group tickets are valid only for the date selected and cannot be refunded or exchanged.

Passes and promotions

London Pass holders must pre-book tickets in advance through the London Pass website.

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Combo Ticket: Kew Gardens and Kensington Palace

Enjoy a double dose of Royal pleasure. Combine entry tickets to both Kew Gardens and Kensington Palace, two of England's most important heritage sites.

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KEW GARDENS AND KENSINGTON PALACE TICKETS

Kew Gardens + Kensington Palace entry tickets

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Kensington Palace & London's attraction passes and 2 FOR 1

2 for 1 promotion.

Railways 2 for 1 Promotion  - The railways 2 for 1 entrance promotion is valid at Kensington Palace, and you need to pre-book your tickets in advance online.

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The London Pass - Kensington Palace is supported by London's most popular attraction pass, (with over 80 top London attractions ), which you visit over the number of days of your choosing. Other top attractions on the London Pass list include the Tower of London , Tower Bridge , Big Bus , London Eye , Westminster Abbey , Madam Tussauds , London Bridge Experience , Windsor Castle , Chessington World of Adventures , View from the Shard , Hampton Court Palace, London Zoo , and St. Paul's Cathedral . The London Pass offers incredible savings over buying individual attraction tickets.

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Other royal palaces in and around London

Tower of London Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066-7 and enlarged and modified by successive sovereigns, today the Tower of London is one of the world's most famous and spectacular fortresses. In its time it has been a royal palace, a fortress, a prison, an armory, a treasury and an astronomical observatory. The Tower of London now displays the Crown Jewels.

Windsor Castle Windsor Castle is one of three official residences of The Queen and has been home to the Sovereign for over 900 years. The Queen would call Windsor Castle her home.

The Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world and the oldest in continuous occupation. The imposing towers and battlements of the Castle loom large from every approach to the town, creating one of the world's most spectacular skylines.

Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837. Today it is the administrative headquarters of the Crown and is the main venue for the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Hampton Court Palace Henry VIII's place, and also a top day out for adults and kids alike. Don't forget the fabulous maze, as well as demonstrations, talks, etc. Proper 'Living History.'

Kew Palace (with Kew Gardens) Open from March - September, Kew Palace, once the home of George III and Queen Charlotte, requires a valid ticket for Kew Gardens to enter. See the Great Pagoda (which can be climbed with a separate ticket), Queen Charlotte's Cottage and the Palace itself with Royal Kitchens.

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Visiting Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace was once the home of Princess Diana and now its residents include at least two future monarchs.

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated: February 21, 2024

Visiting Kensington Palace in London

Home to some of the most famous (and infamous) characters in the British Royal Family, Kensington Palace is one of the best things to see in London.

You can get incredible access inside the building, but it's worth doing some planning, so here are my top tips for visiting Kensington Palace.

• A brief history of Kensington Palace
• The best things to see at Kensington Palace
• Some tips on taking a Kensington Palace tour
• The best way to get tickets for Kensington Palace
• And having afternoon tea at Kensington Palace

She stares down at me from the picture on the wall, smiling, a portrait of a happier time.

A white dress; a thin figure; short blonde hair; pearly teeth; and dazzling eyes.

This is the Princess Diana who the people remember.

In a room full of portraits here at Kensington Palace in London, it’s this one of Princess Diana that draws the most attention. It’s not surprising – her presence here always did.

You only have to cast your mind back to the hundreds of thousands of flowers placed at the gate outside after her death to see how the building and the woman were so intrinsically linked.

Once she became a royal, she never truly stopped being one. Kensington Palace may have been her sanctuary at times but it was also her prison.

And that’s why visiting Kensington Palace is so interesting. Right here in the heart of London, you can see the rooms she lived in, the corridors she walked – and you can feel a connection to the legend and the person.

Kensington Palace is included with the London Pass from Go City, which can save you a lot of money if you’re doing a lot of sightseeing.

There are tributes to the Princess Diana here – the portrait, a collection of her dresses, modern wallpaper created with sketching of her. But, although we may associate the palace with her, many imposing women have come before.

Before Diana it was Princess Margaret, the Queen’s sister. She used Kensington Palace as her residence and would host parties with some of the world’s most glamorous and interesting celebrities.

She was a controversial figure, perhaps more interesting in socialising than official duties, but it helped raise the status of the building in the eyes of royal watchers.

King Edward VIII (her uncle) had once previously called it the “aunt heap” because of the number of lesser royals who had been given rooms there. Princess Margaret certainly made it more lively.

History of Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace gets its name because it was once a private home in the village of Kensington. (Back in the early 1600s when it was built, London did not stretch out this far.)

It became a royal residence in 1689 when King William III and Queen Mary II, as joint monarchs, bought it so they could live away from Whitehall Palace and out of the city (mainly because William was asthmatic).

The monarchs used architect Christopher Wren to turn it from a country house into a palace, which he did by adding sections to what was already there.

After Mary, and then William, died, Queen Anne took Kensington Palace to be her home. She asked Christopher Wren to complete the renovations. She also added the gardens and commissioned the famous Orangery.

The last ruler to use Kensington Palace as their official residence was King George II, who died in the building in 1760.

After that, Kensington Palace was used to house minor royals, who would share the building by living in different apartments.

Princess Margaret was probably the most senior royal to live in Kensington Palace until Prince Charles and Princess Diana moved to the palace in 1981 as their official residence.

Now, of course, it is home to Prince William and his family – meaning that it is the official residence to the first, second, third, and fourth in line to the throne!

For the full experience with stories about all the famous residents, I would recommend this VIP tour of Kensington Palace that also includes a royal tea experience.

Because it is still used by the royal family, you won’t see a lot of the inside when you visit Kensington Palace, but there’s something special about knowing William and Kate could be just metres away.

Considering that, it’s actually surprising there isn’t more security (although maybe it’s here and just well hidden).

Things to see at Kensington Palace

The areas of Kensington Palace you can visit are essentially a museum made up of some of the older and more historical rooms.

But these exhibitions at Kensington Palace are very interesting – particularly if you don’t already have a detailed knowledge of the history of the British Royal Family.

King’s State Apartments

The largest permanent exhibition at Kensington Palace is the King’s State Apartments, the series of rooms that was used for official tasks like audiences and meetings.

As you walk through the rooms – the Presence Chamber, the Privy Chamber, the Cupola Room, and so on – you’ll notice that there is not much furniture because staff and visitors would stand when they were meeting the monarch.

But there are some exquisite sculptures and works of art on display here. The most important collection is in the King’s Gallery.

But, having said that, don’t miss the painting by Vasari of Venus and Cupid in the King’s Drawing Room. And the King’s Staircase that you enter from is a masterpiece in itself.

Queen’s State Apartments

This collection rooms were originally created for Queen Mary II in 1690 and there’s quite a lot that hasn’t changed since then.

Unlike the other rooms, the Queen’s State Apartments were made for living and so you get a much homelier feel here.

The Queen’s Dining Room was where Mary and William would eat together in private and the Queen’s Gallery is where Mary would read and do needlework, for instance.

You’ll see more wonderful pieces of art here and get an insight into the life of the royals from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Temporary exhibitions

There are always a couple of temporary exhibitions at Kensington Palace that are usually on display for at least one or two years before being changed.

These exhibitions generally focus on previous residences of the palace and the recent collections on display have been about Princess Diana’s fashion and the life of Queen Victoria.

I find these temporary exhibitions really interesting because they usually give you a lot more personal information than you normally find in the official stories of the Royal Family.

Kensington Palace tours

Although there is good signage within the palace, there’s only so much information you can get from information boards.

Most of the interesting facts and stories that I’m learning about is coming from the tour guide who is showing me through Kensington Palace.

My guide, Alison, seems to be able to answer any tricky question I throw her. (“What does the Queen see when she looks out her window at Buckingham Palace?” I throw in at one point just to test her – and she does admirably.)

The history is just as interesting as the stories you read in the magazines these days, though. The most imposing figure presented through the museum is Queen Victoria, the longest-serving British monarch until Queen Elizabeth II.

She was living in Kensington Palace when she became queen at the age of 18. Although she moved to Buckingham Palace after her coronation, the rooms where she grew up have now been dedicated to her life.

On display are fascinating items like childhood toys, presents and even her wedding dress. Photographs show her decline in mood after the death of her husband, Prince Albert.

My guide, Alison, explains that Victoria blamed her eldest son for her husband’s because he got sick after travelling to confront him about a scandal.

The Kensington Palace tour is fascinating and ultimately it is more about the people and their stories than the building itself.

The best option available is this VIP Kensington Palace tour , which will show you through the building and the garden – and includes a royal tea experience.

Alternatively, there’s this good tour where the guide will show you around Kensington and tell you lots of stories, but then leave you to explore the palace at your own pace.

Some other options that include Kensington Palace or its surrounds are here:

Even if you don’t get a real sense of what it is like to live in Kensington Palace today, you will come away with an excellent understanding of some of the people who once called it home.

Tickets for Kensington Palace

Regardless of whether you’re going to take a tour of Kensington Palace or not, it’s worth being a bit prepared to save yourself time.

There can often be a long line to buy a ticket, so trying to avoid the busiest parts of the day would be a good start. You can save some time when you visit Kensington Palace by booking a ticket in advance for a specific time slot.

Tickets for Kensington Palace are quite expensive so it’s worth considering whether one of the tourist cards for London would save you money if you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing.

The best option is the London Pass from Go City , where you can choose different durations from 1 day to 10 days. It gives you free entry to about 80 attractions in London, including Kensington Palace, along with other benefits.

It may seem like a big upfront cost, but you definitely save a lot of money if you’re planning to see a few sights. You can buy the London Pass here .

Another option, although it may not seem the obvious thing to do, is become a member of the Historic Royal Palaces . (If you’re not a UK resident, it’s best to do it in person than online, because otherwise they’ll try to mail your card to you.)

The membership gets you unlimited entry to Kensington Palace, Tower of London , Hampton Court Palace, and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. (Which, for example, would cost £89 for standard adult tickets to see them all.)

For an individual membership, it costs £65, or just £100 for two adults at the same address. The real value is for a family (two adults and up to six children), which is £120.

Where is Kensington Palace?

The official address of Kensington Palace is Kensington Gardens, London, W8 4PX. You can see it on a map here .

How do you get to Kensington Palace?

If you’re coming by the Underground, the closest stations are High Street Kensington (District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines) or Queensway (Central line). Both stations are less than ten minutes’ walk away. If you’re coming by bus, you can use routes 70, 94 and 148 along Bayswater Road, or routes 9, 49, 52, 70 and 452 along Kensington High Street.

When is Kensington Palace open?

Kensington Palace is open every day from March to October from 10:00 – 18:00. From November to February, the palace is open from 10:00 – 16:00. Last admission is an hour before closing time.

How much is entry to Kensington Palace?

Admission to Kensington Palace costs £20 for an adult and £10 for children under 16.

Do you need to buy tickets in advance?

Kensington Palace uses a time entry ticket system and it means you may have to wait if you buy a ticket when you get there. I would recommend getting a ticket in advance so you don’t have to wait a long time in a queue. I would also suggest using the London Pass from Go City to save a lot of money if you’re going to be doing other sightseeing while you’re here.

You can find out more information at the official Kensington Palace website .

And, if you need a rest after exploring the palace, or if you’re looking for a special London experience, there’s one more thing I want to tell you about.

Afternoon Tea at Kensington Palace

How British to take afternoon tea. And how royal to have one’s afternoon tea in Kensington Palace Gardens!

After being closed for several years for refurbishment, the Orangery is again open for tea. The baroque-styled restaurant was built in 1704-05 for Mary’s younger sister, Anne, who became Queen when William died.

The official afternoon tea includes sandwiches, scones, cakes and tea or coffee, although there are other options to have a drink or something to eat.

Remember, this VIP Kensington Palace tour also includes a royal tea experience, so it’s a great way to combine everything!

Regardless of how you plan your visit, this is a fascinating insight into the royal history of London – some of it well before we were born, but some of it part of meaningful moments during our lifetime.

Yes, it’s been the home of royalty, but it’s one that many people feel a connection to.

11 thoughts on “Visiting Kensington Palace”

I felt the same in terms of not really getting to see much of the building itself. It was the main reason I visited and I left feeling a bit disappointed. I did however love the main staircase inside regardless of whether it is modernised or not and the gardens in full bloom are beautiful.

The way it has been presented is much more as a museum than an authentic representation of what the palace would have been like (or is like). I get the feeling people often don’t know what to expect (I was one of them). I enjoyed hearing all the stories from my guide, though, and it was actually a good way to learn a lot more about British royal history.

I completely agree about the walking/guided tours. I’m all for self exploration and discovery, but some places (like this one!) is “hollow” without someone knowledgeable bringing it to life. Thanks for the post – I’ve really enjoyed hearing about it!

I’m just like you. You get so much information out of guided tours, it’s important to know which places are worth doing one. I found the same thing with the Tower of London too – there is lots to see but it’s the stories and the history that really make it worthwhile.

I really enjoyed our visit to Kensington Palace – I found it much more interesting than Buckingham Palace. Mainly because of the theories that it’s haunted and that a lot of the women who’ve lived there have been there during unhappy times in their lives. Did you learn about the spookiness of the place? I wrote a blog about it too >> http://double-barrelledtravel.com/the-cursed-palace-top-5-haunted-tales-of-kensington-palace/

Great post! I didn’t actually learn too much about the spookiness of it so that’s a great read. The women were definitely unhappy there often, that’s true. Maybe I’ll have to go back and look for the ghosts next time!!

Well, first of all, I want your camera. Beautiful photos. Striking, brilliant colours. I might have visited this residence years and years ago, but I’ve forgotten now. What a treat for people who aren’t able to travel to London. Your tour was great.

Thanks, Christopher. There’s actually nothing too special about my camera – I use a Canon 600D which is an entry-level DSLR from a few years ago. I do edit the shots a bit to give them a bit more brightness and colour normally but don’t do anything else fancy. I try to make an effort to not take the same shots as other tourists, though. I think if you play around with angles and stuff, you can make things look a lot more interesting.

I’ve been to Buckingham Palace when it is open for a brief time in the summer, but not to Kensington Palace. I would love this tour because I am a bit obsessed with the Royals!

Interesting post and pretty pictures! It sounds like a guide definitely made it more worthwhile. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks, Mary. Yeah, I really enjoyed all the stories and extra information.

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Kensington Palace

The palace is the official residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Other residents include Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, Duke and Duchess of Kent and Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

Areas of Kensington Palace are open to the public. Visitors can walk through the King's State Apartments, the Queen's State Apartments and the Gardens. There are also exhibitions plus a shop and The Orangery cafe.

To book tickets to Kensington Palace and for more information, visit the Historic Royal Palaces website .

History of Kensington Palace

King William and Queen Mary asked Christopher Wren, the architect of St Paul's Cathedral, to turn Nottingham House into a palace. His extension is largely what you see today.

The clerk of works, Nicholas Hawksmoor, was told to do the job quickly and cheaply so that's why Kensington Palace was built with bricks, rather than stone.

It was completed in six months and William and Mary moved in on Christmas Eve 1689. Over the next few years, the couple added a gallery, the Queen's Apartments and a new entrance. They opened the gardens to the public on Sundays when they went to Richmond.

Mary didn't have long to enjoy her new palace because she died from smallpox in 1694. In 1702, William fell off his horse, broke his collar bone and died a few days later.

Queen Victoria was born at Kensington Palace and lived here until 1837. Diana Princess of Wales had an apartment at the palace from 1981-1997.

Ultimate Guide To Visiting Kensington Palace

I’ve always been fascinated by the history of British Royalty, I mean princesses, ball gowns and far-fetched tales – Whats not to like?

Thus, during a trip to Notting Hill (London) late this summer, I decided to make time to visit the nearby Kensington Palace, and I totally fell in love! For one, no place is more steeped in royal history…. Ok, Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, and Balmoral also lay a pretty good claim to the aforementioned statement. However, my point is, Kensington Palace has a strange sense of celebrity around it. For example, it’s where William and Kate have opted to bring up their children. More than this, it was also the childhood home of Queen Victoria and countless other historic royals.

In this way, I feel that Kensington Palace should be on everyone’s to do list when visiting London! Need more convincing? Below I’ve compiled an  ultimate guide to visiting Kensington Place.   So keep reading for all the information, tips and advice you could possibly need for this very elegant and charming Palace.

SIDE NOTE: for those who have been following my Bali Island Hopping Adventure . Fear not, I have not forgotten my Ubud instalment! It’s on the way. 😉

Key information – 

The first question that needs to be addressed is: can the public visit Kensington Palace? The obvious answer here is yes , otherwise I wouldn’t be writing this post ;). Here’s some more information you may find handy:

Kensington Palace Opening Hours –

Unlike the more famous Buckingham Palace , Kensington is open all year round! However visiting hours vary according to whether its Summer  (01 March – 31 October) whereby the grounds are open 10am-6pm, or Winter  (01 November – 28 February) whereby it shuts at the earlier time of 4pm.

Palace tickets –

Tickets to visit Kensington Palace can be bought via the official website for £15.50 (entry is free for children under 15). This said, during peak periods tickets normally sell out ahead of time. So, be prepared and book early!

However, if like me, you leave everything to the last minute (shame on you) then you can also buy tickets from lastminute.com . From here they’re a little more expensive – around £17, but the website can be a lifesaver when dates are seemingly sold out on the palace’s website.

Failing this, there is one final way to get your Kensington Palace tickets: on the day. It is possible to turn up at the palace and buy your tickets ‘on the door’. Having said this, I would try and avoid this third option as there can be a long wait. ‘Walk up’ entrance is totally dependant on the number of people already waiting in line with pre-bought tickets.

TOP TIP:  Even with tickets, there can be a queue to get into the palace. For example, I had to wait around 20 minutes. Therefore, if you have a busy day planned I suggest arriving just as the doors open to avoid the crowds. 🙂

Getting To Kensington Palace –

Based in the center of London, the easiest way to get to Kenginston Palace is by tube. The closest station is Queensway,  which is only a two minute walk away, through the very scenic grounds of Hyde Park.

For more Kensington Palace visitor information,  check out their website.

Permanent Exhibitions at Kensington Palace – 

Now all the boring information is out of the way, we can move onto the interesting part of my  Ultimate Guide To Visiting Kensington Palace : what you can expect to find.

The palace has several permanent exhibits that are both fascinating and beautiful:

King’s State Apartment –

The first exhibit you’ll come across once you’ve passed through security, and had your ticket scanned, is the King’s State Apartment . Here you’ll find Kensington Palace’s most opulent rooms, which to be honest, were my favourite… I am after all a girl of fine tastes. 😉

The grandeur and history of these historic rooms begin’s in the stair-well. All you have to do is look up to be amazed by intricate ceiling paintings and gold leafed trims:

Next, glide up the King’s Staircase  where a vivid reaction of George I’s court (by William Kent) throws you into 18th century court life. The artwork comes alive with the characters depicted. Meanwhile, the whole room is elegant, somewhat feminine, but altogether beautiful – the perfect introduction to Kensington Palace.

Moving through the apartment you’ll encounter many more interesting rooms such as the Presence Chamber and the Privy Chamber , which grants fabulous views over the front lawns. However, what blew me away the most was the Kings Gallery. 

Here, the rich red walls scream royalty and wealth. More than this though, the artwork that adorns the walls is simply stunning. I was pleased to recognise one famous piece,  by Anthony van Dyck, of Charles I on horseback,  which sits perfectly between the most beautiful golden edged doors.

However, art has never been my strong point, so I was clueless about the other masterpieces in the room. Luckily, at Kensington Palace,  each room comes equipped with written room guides. These detailed books contain everything you could possibly need to know! Thus, I was able to look up the painting’s and gain a much better idea of what was depicted.

Queen’s State Apartment –

A slight walk through the palace’s hallways brings you to the second permanent exhibit at Kensington Palace, the Queen’s State Apartment . Substantially less grand than the king’s apartment, the staterooms here are somewhat more homely. This is not surprising since they were where Queen Mary II and later royal consorts lived.

Despite being less lavish, for me, these rooms were super interesting! They help to create an image of how the palace would have looked when William III and Mary II brought Kensington and decided to turn this ordinary mansion into a home fit for royalty in 1689.

What’s more, although relatively plain and dark, the rooms are still impressive! Especially the oak staircase that remains little changed since its construction in 1690. Another highlight for me was the Queen’s bedroom where the bed displayed is said to be the birthplace of James Edward Stuart, son of King James II.

Queen Victoria Revealed –

There are currently a few further exhibits at Kensington Palace that are open for a limited time. The first of which explores the life of the palace’s most famous resident: Queen Victoria.

Named Queen Victoria revealed , this exhibit is open until the  12th of November 2017  and features many of the Queen’s personal objects such as the dolls she made as a little girl and her beautiful coronation gown. Meanwhile, the exhibit also explores her life, children, and beloved husband, Prince Albert.

As a fan of the ITV show: Victoria , it was captivating to learn more about the real-life monarch, while walking the same halls she did as a child.

TOP TIP – There is a lot of information to read and absorb in this exhibit so I would recommend touring it first while you’re still fresh to get the best out of your visit!

Enlightened Princesses –

An extension of ‘Queen Victoria Revealed’, this mini-exhibit tells the lives of three German princesses: Caroline, Augusta, and Charlotte. All of whom married into the British royal family and consequently had a huge impact on developments within 18th century Britain.

(the exhibit is also open until the 12th of November 2017)

Diana’s Fashion Story –

One final exhibit was opened this summer as a touching tribute to Princess Diana. Marking 20 years since her untimely death, the exhibit follows her ‘fashion story’ from a shy aristocrat to the most photographed women in the world.

In high contrast to the dark and historic rooms in the rest of the palace, the exhibit is bright and modern, almost as if to reflect Diana’s character! The collection on display is extraordinary and will delight fashion nuts and those simply interested in Diana a-like. Even more captivating than the dresses themselves are original fashion sketches and comments from Diana’s favourite designers. These add a personal touch to the exhibit, and I couldn’t help but be moved by the kind words spoken about the ill-fated princess.

However, I do have to say that I felt a little rushed touring the exhibit. Due to the amount of people in the room, I was naturally pushed forward onto the next dress without having time to read the description. This took away from the experience somewhat, and to be honest made me feel a tad claustrophobic.

None the less, as the exhibit is open till 2019 , I assume the crowds will be less intense once the initial excitement has died down a little!

TOP TIP:  following on from my above point, as the palace’s most popular exhibit, you have to queue to enter ‘Diana’s Fashion Story’ . If this queue appears long, head upstairs to see the Queen’s State Apartment first – when you return the queue should be a lot shorter thanks to the flow of visitors through the palace.

Palace’s Sunken Garden –

One thing you shouldn’t miss when visiting Kensington Palace, especially in spring and summer, is the beautiful Sunken Garden . Located just to the right of the palace, this small yet stunning garden is terraced, paved and decorated with ornamental flower beds and subtle fountains.

Disappointingly, you can’t actually go into the garden. However, its bordered by a natural tunnel that provides shady and magical viewpoints. These viewpoints are the perfect spot for a picnic, as you can sit on the wall overlooking the garden, taking in the hundreds of different plants, while also getting a break from the chaotic pace of London thanks to the tranquil setting.

During my visit to the palace, the Sunken Garden was remodelled into the ‘white garden’ as a further tribute to Princess Diana. Having the Garden in solely one colour was breath-taking. However, come next spring it’ll be returned to an equally as beautiful rainbow of colour.

TOP TIP:  you don’t need a ticket to visit the gardens at Kensington Palace! Thus, you can take in their beauty even if touring exhibits isn’t your thing.

Eating at Kensington Palace –

After all that walking and exploring, you’ll probably find yourself a little peckish. Thankfully there are two places to catch a bite within the Palace grounds:

The Palace Cafe –

Adjacent to the palace’s gift shop, your first dining option at Kensington is a simple cafe. Open to everyone, not just visitor’s to the palace, this little cafe always appears busy. Thus, I opted not to eat here during my visit as it was packed and has more of a family vibe.

This said, the food looked good and has largely positive ratings on TripAdvisor . In this way, the Palace Cafe is the perfect spot to refuel if you’re looking for a cuppa and/or slice of cake.

The Orangery Restaurant – 

If you’re looking for something more substantial than a snack, and a more upmarket vibe – the palace’s Orangery Restaurant hit’s the nail on the head!

Possibly one of the most beautifully decorated restaurants in London, the Orangery’s massive windows bring an abundance of light into the dining room. Meanwhile, a modern clean finish provides the perfect balance between old and new.

Famed for its afternoon tea, there’s nothing more ‘quintessentially British’ than tucking into Jam and Scones after touring one of the countries most famous palaces! More than this, the restaurant also has a pretty good lunch menu, which is surprisingly not too expensive, with main’s averaging around £15.

This said you’ll have to pre-book if you plan on eating here. I tried to get a table for one after my visit to Kensington Palace and was gutted when they couldn’t even squeeze little old me in –  thus Book your table for the Orangery now through Open Table.

So there you have it, my  Ultimate Guide To Visiting Kensington Palace.  Thanks for reading, and I hope you have an amazing time at the palace and enjoy your visit as much as I did!

Got any questions? Or have your own tips about Kensington palace to share? Get in touch in the comment section below 🙂 

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I have always wanted to visit Kensington Palace! I have seen such gorgeous photos and YOURS are stunning and make me want to visit right now!!

It’s so pretty that’s for sure!

It’s interesting I visited the palace probably 15 years ago and they had a exhibit of Diana’s dresses then. The Queen Victoria exhibit also sounds really interesting.

Oh really I had no clue! Yeah it was crazy to learn all about her children especially and how they moved to live all over the globe 🙂

Beautifully written blog post. I love london but have never actually been here! I tend to visit in the winter when everything looks so dull but your photos make it look really stunning! I will definitely visit it now!

Damn London’s overcast skies haha – you should definently try and visit in spring/summer the city really comes alive 🙂

Yeah I have been lucky to go in better weather but didn’t have much chance to get good photos!lol! Will put this on my to do list though!

Wow! Thats a really detailed guide and lovely photos! Thanks for this amazing post! Bookmarked 🙂

This is a helpful and detailed guide! I am bummed that I didnt get a chance to visit on my last trip to London. Your photos have definitely convinced me that I need to book a return trip!

Thankyou for your lovely comment! The only problem with London is there’s so much to fit in, a return trip is certainly advised 😉

The Kings Staircase… A DREAM! I feel like I’ve seen that in so many movie scenes!

I know its so pretty!! I have to admit to walking up a few times haha

I LOVED Kensington Palace when we visited in 2015! I hope I get to go back. Hyde Park was definitely a highlight. The Kings Staircase I loved imagining royalty walking around. Such a beautiful place.

Agreed Hyde Park is the perfect backdrop… Me too haha

I’m currently living in London and always looking for new things to do and new places to visit, this is great! I’m adding it my list right now.

Glad to have helped 🙂

This is a very thorough post with great pics. Kensington Palace definitely seems like a great outing, will think about adding it to my list next time I’m in the UK!

Thank you for reading!!

Dang, I wish I would have known about this when I visited London! Unfortunately, I was only there for a few days, so perhaps if I visit again, I’ll remember this.

Only problem with London! So much to do in such a little time 🙂

I’m so sad I missed this when I went in March! I went to the more popular Buckingham palace. This looks like a great place to explore for a few hours. Your pictures are great!

Buckingham palace is on my to do list for next year!! Thank you 🙂

Such a beautiful day at Kensington Palace! I was in London 2 years ago and road my bike around the area but never went inside for a tour. Reading this post makes we wish I would have! I will have to do this on my next trip.

The area is so lovely in itself!!

Great post! Lovely to get a sneak peak into Kensington Palace. After working in London for over a year I can’t believe I haven’t visited yet… There’s so much more to do and see than I realised too! I’m definitely going to plan a day trip to explore, and especially sample an afternoon tea at The Orangery! Thanks for sharing such lovely pics and detailed insights 🙂

There’s so much in London I’m yet to do as well so I feel you aha! Thanks for your lovely comment, hope you enjoy your visit 🙂

It looks like a beautiful palace. I love exploring historic palaces when I visit Europe. I didn’t realize that you could tour Kensington, so this is great information!

Me too I find it so interesting! Thanks for reading 🙂

What a comprehensive guide! So much useful information, maybe one day I will make it out to visit!

Such a detailed post. Very useful. Bookmarked. 🙂

Thanks for reading and your lovely comment 🙂

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My complete guide to Kensington Gardens and Palace in London

With formal gardens, water features and 265 acres of parkland, Kensington Gardens must be one of the most beautiful of the London parks. While open to the public, it somehow has an intimate feel. This is likely due to its association as the ‘back garden’ of Kensington Palace, home to many members of the Royal Family.

I took a walk to discover all the things to do in Kensington Gardens, as well as visiting Kensington Palace. Read everything below in my guide on what to see and do during your visit to London.

This article may contain affiliate links that provide commission on purchases you make at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

About Kensington Gardens

Kensington Gardens connects seamlessly with Hyde Park, the two forming one green space. The only division being The Serpentine and West Carriage Drive that runs through the park.

King William and Queen Mary first purchased and extended the mansion of Kensington Palace in the late 17th century. They required a residence that would be healthier than Whitehall Palace.

Subsequent monarchs laid out the gardens. Queen Charlotte created the artificial lake of The Serpentine by damming the river running through the park.

Royal Connections in Kensington Palace and Gardens

The Kensington Palace apartments are home to so many royals that it’s something of an upmarket housing estate. It offers privacy and security without all the costs associated with buying a substantial London residence.

If you are wondering who lives at Kensington Palace, it was home to Princess Margaret and Princess Diana who lived there from 1981 – 1997. The Duke and Duchess of Kent currently have their home there. You could also stay in a home fit for royalty by booking one of London’s top luxury vacation rentals .

William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have a large apartment within the palace. Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex originally lived in Nottingham Cottage. The younger generation of royals have recently been joined by Princess Eugenie who moved in with husband Jack Brooksbank after their marriage.

Read more about Kensington Palace – The Story of Kensington Palace by Tracy Borman

Queen Victoria’s first home

Kensington Palace is where Queen Victoria grew up. Sheltered from the public eye, she shared a bedroom with her mother until the age of 18 when she became queen.

You can visit the symbol of love between Queen Victoria and her consort Prince Albert in the romantic Italian gardens. that Albert commissioned as a gift for his wife. Also view the Albert Memorial that Queen Victoria erected to commemorate him when he died, aged only 42 years old.

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Princess Diana loved the sunken gardens next to Kensington Palace. Twenty years after her death in 2017, the garden was planted with white flowers in her memory.

There are more lasting reminders too in the Princess Diana Memorial Playground. The pirate ship and the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain is a magnet for families. You can follow the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk around London, taking in four royal parks as well as the palaces and homes that are associated with her.

Things to do in Kensington Gardens

There’s so much to see in Kensington Gardens that you could spend a whole day there. Visiting Kensington Palace could take a couple of hours on its own.

As we take a walk around some of the main attractions, I recommend starting from Kensington Palace.It’s an easy walk from Kensington High Street tube, passing the smart embassies on Kensington Palace Gardens. We’ll come back to look around Kensington Palace later, but for now let’s discover some of the things to do in Kensington Gardens itself.

The Kensington Palace Sunken Garden

I love the beautiful sunken gardens beside Kensington Palace. They were laid out in 1908 and are enclosed by a shady walkway of rose covered arches and hedges. You can’t walk inside the gardens, which are planted with flowering borders, but can look in to admire the still water of the formal pond and the fountains playing.

The Kensington Palace garden is like a jewel box that you can look into from all four sides. Peer through the pretty wrought iron gates, to admire the plantings that change through the seasons.

In 2017 the whole garden was planted in a white colour scheme to commemorate 20 years since the death of Princess Diana. Now the colour schemes vary with the time of year.

If you’d love to see more gardens in London, check out this Secret Gardens of London full day tour

Meet the ducks at the Round Pond in Kensington Gardens

Next our walk takes us to the Round Pond. From the slightly raised position of the sunken garden pathways you’ll get a great view. The Round Pond was created by Queen Charlotte, who developed Kensington Gardens from 1728 to include many of the water features.

This shallow pond is a great place to see the geese, ducks and swans who are only too happy to be fed. Although this is a favourite place to see the wildfowl, it’s actually not recommended to feed them. Bread or cakes are not part of their normal diet, although they will greedily eat whatever you throw at them.

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The Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens

Our walk continues to the south side of the park, bordering Kensington and Knightsbridge. Here we’ll find the impressive Albert Memorial, with its ornate spire looking almost like a church. Inside the monument sits the golden figure of Prince Albert who died aged only 42, leaving Queen Victoria grief stricken and in mourning for the rest of her life.

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The monument was unveiled following his death in 1872. It feels as if Victoria was telling the world that this was the man who should have been king, all clothed in gold. At each corner of the monument are marble figures representing the far corners of the British Empire in Europe, Asia, Africa and America.

Other parts of the decoration reflect Albert’s interest in manufacturing and engineering as well as his enthusiasm for the arts. If you’d like to also visit the Albert Hall which is opposite the Albert Memorial, check out this one hour guided tour of the Royal Albert Hall .

You can also take a tour to learn more about the monument on the first Sunday of each month, March – December at 2 pm cost £9.

The Serpentine Gallery and Serpentine Sackler Gallery

From the Albert memorial, we can walk up West Carriage Drive, to the Serpentine Gallery . The Gallery hosts contemporary art exhibitions and is completely free (although donations appreciated).

If I’m in the park I always like to pop in and see what’s on. It’s generally thought provoking and interesting, even if not always the pretty-pretty art that you find in the classic London art galleries.

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Last time I passed through there was the an exhibition by Pierre Huyghe of flickering LED images, that represent the brain activity of a human, with subtle reconstruction of the building. The sand and dust on the floor and the live flies buzzing around are all part of the art installation, although the website states that “utmost care of the flies” has been taken!

This is definitely art in its most conceptual and best taken without overthinking. Let the images wash over you to leave an impression on your mind as you pass through.

On the other side of the Serpentine Bridge is the Serpentine Sackler Gallery, which strictly speaking is in Hyde Park. It also offers a free gallery space for contemporary art, with a striking glass restaurant called Chucs designed by Zaha Hadid.

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The Princess Diana Memorial Fountain

Also in Hyde Park if we are being precise is the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. It would be shame to miss this on our walk, so let’s cross over West Carriage Drive to take a look. Created from Cornish Granite, the circular water course creates an unbroken flow of shallow water, that was designed to reflect Diana’s life.

Sometimes flowing calmly, in other places bubbling and rippling, the water flows in a circle and is a popular place to sit on the edge and reflect. Although you can dabble your feet in the water, walking through the water is not encouraged, although no-one minds the children having a paddle. Close to the Diana Memorial Fountain is the Lido Cafe and Bar where you can sit on a fine day on their outdoor terrace, with a view of the Serpentine.

If you’d like to cycle through Kensington Gardens and other parts of London, check out this London Royal Parks & Palaces 3.5 hour bike tour

Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens

Although we could head into Hyde Park where there’s lots more to explore, let’s turn north. We’ll follow the edge of the Long Water which is another part of the park that’s a habitat for ducks and geese.

The path will bring us to the well known statue of Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, from the classic children’s story tale by J M Barrie of the boy who never grew up. The statue includes other characters from the story around its base, as well as squirrels, rabbits, mice and fairies.

It was J M Barrie himself who was a resident of Kensington and commissioned the statue. Barrie had it installed in one night on 1st May 1912 as a surprise for the children in the park. The Peter Pan is one of the Talking Statues projects. You can swipe your phone on a plaque and get a call back from Peter Pan himself to hear his story.

Read more about Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens by JM Barrie

A little further along the path, you may see people feeding the green parakeets that have become established in the park. They give an exotic air to the landscape, as there are lots of them in the trees in this part of the park.

On the other side of the Long Water you can also see The Arch, a sculpture by Henry Moore. Made of Italian Travertine stone, it sits at the end of the vista that looks right across the park towards Kensington Palace.

Hotels near Kensington Gardens

While visiting Kensington Gardens, a great place to stay is Park Grand London Lancaster Gate . It’s just a 10 minute walk from the Lancaster Gate park entrance and the Italian Gardens. The hotel is also close to Lancaster Gate tube station with easy access to all the major sights of London.

This 5 star hotel is in an elegant London townhouse, with 64 bedrooms and contemporary style. You’ll find all the amenities you’d expect such as complimentary WiFi, safe and tea/ coffee making facilities in your room.

To find out more and book your stay: Park Grand London Lancaster Gate Website | Facebook | contact: [email protected]

The Italian Gardens in Kensington Gardens

At the end of the Long Water, bordering Hyde Park are the beautiful Italian Gardens. Prince Albert had the Gardens created in 1860 as a gift to his wife Queen Victoria.

The gardens are inspired by the romantic Renaissance classical style that was fashionable at the time. They feature marble urns, formal pools, fountains and geometric flower beds.

The pavilion at one end of the gardens is a pleasant place to sit. It’s actually disguised the pump room, where a steam engine was used to operate the fountains.

On the northern edge of the gardens, there’s the Italian Garden Cafe. It’s glass fronted inside space and outdoor terrace is a good place to sit and admire the gardens. Look out for the white Rolls Royce ice cream van by the Italian Gardens, where you can treat yourself to an ice cream cone.

Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens

If you follow the path along the northern border of Kensington Gardens, or perhaps through the wild and natural areas of trees and grassland, you’ll reach the western edge of the park and the Diana Memorial Playground, by the Queensway Gate.

This is popular playground in Kensington Gardens, including a wooden pirate ship and play sculptures. Set in a protected enclosure of trees and shrubs, it was opened in 2000 in memory of Princess Diana who always loved children.

You won’t be able to enter the playground unless you are accompanied by children (except between 9.30 and 10 am). The playground is very popular, so at the busiest times queues may form as the numbers allowed in are regulated.

Beside the playground there’s the Broad Walk Cafe with the clock tower bearing the inscription Time Flies. N ext to it the Elfin Oak, an ancient oak trunk that is made into a charming sculpture. Figures of elves climb over it, which comedian Spike Milligan paid to have restored.

The Orangery in Kensington Gardens

Walking back towards Kensington Palace, we’ll pass the Orangery, which is currently closed for renovation. It was built in 1704 as a place to entertain for Queen Mary and her younger sister Anne.

At that time, having a glass house to keep ornamental orange and other fruit trees through the winter, was a fashionable and luxurious display of wealth and position.

The Orangery was previously open as an elegant tea rooms. While it’s being restored you can have afternoon tea in Kensington Gardens at The Kensington Palace Pavilion which has been erected close to the sunken gardens.

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Visiting Kensington Palace

Having explored Kensington Gardens, you’ll want to visit Kensington Palace. The Palace has strong connections with Queen Victoria and Princess Diana reflected in its exhibitions. There are many beautiful rooms and apartments in the palace, but the highlights that I most enjoyed were;

The King’s Staircase

This beautiful painted staircase is one of the first things that you see when entering Kensington Palace and was painted by William Kent to depict the court of King George I. The elegant and well dressed nobility mix with the King’s guards and his servants, as well as characters from the court. Look up and you may spot the artist himself on the ceiling holding his artist’s palate.

The King’s Gallery

This long gallery was designed to show the king’s art collection and the striking red silk damask is just as it looked when it was renovated for King George I in 1725.

Diana: Her fashion story Exhibition

The collection of Diana dresses at Kensington Palace show her changing taste and style through her public life. In the early years of her marriage, the style is romantic and flowing, with cream and pink dresses that are embellished with frills and lace.

Later Diana’s fashion style became more confident and she required elegant gowns for public appearances. We see stronger colours, clean lines and embellishment in the evening dresses she wore for public and state occasions.

After Charles and Diana divorced, there were many public appearances for the charities Diana supported, but she was more free in her choice of dresses. The body conscious dresses with narrow straps send a clear message; “I’m a confident woman making my own decisions” .

Victoria Revealed Exhibition

Queen Victoria was born in Kensington Palace and grew up there carefully sheltered from the world by her mother, the Duchess of Kent and her adviser Sir John Conroy. You can see the table in palace’s Red Saloon at which she first received her first Privy Council on becoming queen at the age of 18 after the death of her uncle King William IV. 

The exhibition shows intimate objects from her daily life, some of her clothes, the romantic portrait of her by Winterhalter that she gave to Prince Albert and her stunning tiaras and jewels.

Although you can visit Kensington Palace and buy tickets on the day, it is cheaper to book online. Also at busy times it is advisable to book in advance to be sure of your chosen time slot for entry.

The exhibition, Diana: her fashion story is especially popular and entry to this is included in the main palace ticket. Tickets are £19.50 for Adults. Kensington Palace opening hours are normally 10 am – 6 pm with last entry at 5 pm.

There is a security search to enter the palace which may also cause queues, even if you have already pre-booked your ticket. There is a cafe and gift shop at Kensington Palace which is accessible even if you are not visiting the palace.

More info: Kensington Palace Website | You can also pre-book your Kensington Palace Sightseeing tickets here .

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Map of Kensington Gardens

There are excellent maps of Kensington Gardens available on the official website including the map below.

Click here for a downloadable pdf map of Kensington Gardens

Getting to Kensington Gardens

More information to plan your visit

Information about Kensington Gardens and Kensington Palace on the Royal Parks Website.

Hotels near Kensington Gardens – check out the Park Grand London Lancaster Gate Hotel

Need a guide book for London? We recommend the DK Eyewitness Top 10 London Pocket Travel Guide

Hotels in London – check all the prices and options

Need a guidebook for London? We recommend the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide London or if you only have a short time the DK Eyewitness Top 10 London

This article is brought to you in partnership* with the Park Grand London Lancaster Gate. 

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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Friday 29th of March 2019

I have always wanted to visit Kensington Gardens. Everything looks so magical. Thank you for this excellent guide.

Disabled Ramps

Tuesday 30th of October 2018

We are so blessed in the UK to have such spectacular places to visit. The gardens are a must, and what's more they are wheelchair friendly

Many thanks for an excellent post. I am not always a huge fan of Victorian taste, but Albert Memorial was (and still is) impressive. In 1872 the queen was at her saddest, so a memorial that highlighted the late husband's significant contributions was most apt. Yes he really was interested in manufacturing, engineering and the arts in a hands-on way, and made major contributions.

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What to see at kensington palace london.

Kensington Palace is not only one of London’s major tourist attractions to see. It also serves as a residence for some of the Royal Family. While only a section of the Palace is open to the public there is still a lot to see inside. One of my first memories of Kensington Palace was seeing all the floral tributes piled up on the golden iron gates on TV. It was to honour the late Lady Diana, Princess of Wales. Who had lived at the Palace before her tragic death.

About Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace is split into two sections , the offices and private accommodation areas (where Royal Family live). Then the public areas of old state apartments are and the exhibition is held.  The private offices and accommodations of the Royal family are managed by the Royal Household.

While the independent charity Historic Royal Palaces manage the public area of Kensington Palace. One of the other places included in the collection is the Tower of London, which is also worth a visit. 

Location of Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace is located in Kensington gardens an exclusive street in Kensington, west London. High street Kensington is the closest tube station and is only a 5-minute walk away. Nearby you have Hyde Park, Princess Diana Memorial Fountain and Buckingham Palace. 

Alternatively, you can get a bus which can be used with an oyster card or contactless bank card. You can also get around the top London sites by a hop-on-hop-off bus.

What to see inside Kensington Palace

There are 4 main areas across 3 floors to see inside Kensington Palace as a part of your entry ticket. King’s State Apartments, Queens State Apartments, Victoria Revealed and Diana (Her Fashion Story).

When you enter inside you can pick up one of the free maps that shows where you can explore, with each area colour coded. The routeing system inside is pretty easy to follow and you won’t get lost as they lead back to the staircase main area. It should only take you around 1-2hrs to see everything inside Kensington Palace. 

The King’s Staircase

One of my favourite parts of the palace and one of the first things you will see is the King’s staircase with a grand chandelier. As it is on your way to the state apartments. It is painted with life-sized characters from King George I’s court hosting lavish parties. If you look up close, you will see a young portrait of William Kent on the ceiling, in a brown artist’s cap and holding a palette.

The State Apartments

A good starting point is both the King’s State Apartments and the Queen’s State Apartments which are located on the second floor of Kensington Palace. The State Apartments comprise several individual rooms, each with its own unique charms like the Cupola Room.

The interior of the State Apartments is impressive and unlike your normal domestic rooms were used for audiences and meetings. Even the Queen’s Dining Room where Mary and William would dine together, out of the public eye, is a stunning room. 

The Queen’s State Apartments

There are 5 rooms that make up the Queen’s State Apartments (Queen’s Drawing Room, Bedroom, Dining Room, Close and Gallery). This area is considered to be the oldest part of the palace and it was created for Queen Mary II, who ruled with King William III. 

As you can imagine these rooms have many stories to tell especially as this is where the royals slept, had their meals, and entertained their friends and distinguished guests. The Queen’s Bedroom is also where Queen Mary II passed away from smallpox at 32 years of age.  Picture what it used to be like when Mary lived there when walking through the Queen’s Gallery. 

What to see outside Kensington Palace

Once you have finished seeing everything inside Kensington Palace, then head outside. Where you will see the Palace gardens that feature the Diana Princess of Wales Statue in the sunken gardens, while you walk along the cradle wall. 

The gardens should only take around 30 minutes to walk around. Then head to either the cafe or restaurant afterwards for something to eat. Another great historical site that has amazing gardens worth a visit is Hever Castle, the home of Anne Boylen. 

The Palace Gardens

There are three areas that make up the palace gardens, the Sunken Garden, Cradle Walk, and Formal Gardens. You can walk around and enjoy the Palace gardens for free and do not have to buy a ticket to Kensington Palace unless you would like to go inside.

The Sunken Garden

The pretty Sunken Garden is modeled on a similar garden at Hampton Court Palace and celebrated a style of gardening from the 18th century. Surrounding an ornamental pond with water cisterns the garden is terraced with paving and ornamental flower beds

There is a tradition that still continues today that the palace rotates the flower displays in the spring and summer, keeping everything looking up to date and fresh.  Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement to the world at the Sunken garden.  

Cradle Walk

The Cradle walk is an arched arbor of red-twigged lime, the walk surrounds the Sunken Garden which offers various viewpoints especially of the sunken garden in the middle.  If looking for somewhere to take photos in the area, this is where I see Instagrammers taking their photos all the time.

Formal gardens

Located in between both the palace Pavilion and the Orangery Restaurant is the formal gardens. The garden setting and graceful architecture made it a perfect venue for royal events. They were originally part of Hyde Park and when Anne became Queen in 1702, she created an English-style garden. 

Orangery restaurant

In 1704 the Orangery was added, an elaborate greenhouse built in the style of an elegant palace to protect Anne’s citrus trees from the harsh frosts of winter. Currently, the Orangery restaurant is closed due to renovation. However, you can still enjoy afternoon tea or a drink at the pavilion and take in the garden views. 

How to get to Kensington Palace

Situated in West London in Kensington Gardens and only a 5-10minute walk away from Hyde Park is Kensington Palace. With such an ideal location, getting there is accessible in various ways from the Underground to various buses. 

Underground Trains (Tube Stations)

You have a number of options in regard to Tube Stations near Kensington Palace, depending on which line you are using. These are High Street Kensington station, Queensway station or Notting Hill Gate station, all rang from 10-30minutes walk. B oth the Circle (yellow) and District lines line (green) and is about a 10-15 minute walk.

What bus to catch to Kensington

There are a number of buses that stop near Kensington Palace. However, it will depend on which direction you are coming from. These buses are routes 70, 94, 148, 390 (to Bayswater Road) and r outes 9, 10, 49, 52, 70, and 452 (to Kensington High Street).  You can also take a   Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Bus which goes past Kensington Palace.

Related Kensington Palace Tours

Additional Information about seeing Kensington Palace

• Duration – It should take you around 3-4hours to get around Kensington Palace
• Opening Time –  from 10 am to 4 pm daily (Summer) 10 am to 6 pm daily (Winter)
• The last entry – is an hour before closing
• Closed – 24th-26th Dec 
• Online Bookings –  You can book your tickets online to save time and money. Make sure you print them out before you go.
• Multimedia Guides – You can one at an additional cost.

Top Tip before heading to the Palace

• Kensington Palace offers free WIFI inside
• If you want to ride, there are cycle racks available at the Sunken Gardens entrance
• Stay connected with 4G SIM Card while visiting the United Kingdom to keep update with maps and things to do.
• After looking around the Palace, how about have a delicious afternoon tea in the Pavilion restaurant?
• You can leave your backpacks and large bags in the guest reception.
• You can use your camera & mobile phone without flash 

See inside free with Historic Royal Palaces

You can see inside Kensington Palace for free if you have a membership in the Historic Royal Palaces collection. It is an independent charity that manages some of the unoccupied royal palaces in Great Britain. Other properties that are a part of the Historic Royal Palaces collection are Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London  

One of the things to think about getting if you are planning on visiting Kensington Palace is the Historic Royal Palaces membership. It will work out a lot cheaper, especially if you are going to the other famous royal palaces that are part of the collection.  I had a Historic Royal Palaces card and it is definitely worth it as I used it more than once. 

Tickets to see Kensington Palace

Another option to go inside Kensington Palace is to get a London Pass. It is a great idea i f you are visiting the capital and want to go to other historical landmark sites. A London Pass includes over 80 attractions and you can purchase a 1-10 day Pass.  

Some of the great options included in the London Pass are Going up Tower Bridge or going in Jewel Tower.

The Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, London

Other historical places to see in London

Are you going to see any other historical places while in London? Then head to my history page for some inspiration or read the helpful articles on the following attractions in England.

• How to climb Wellington Arch – Central London
• Bodiam Castle, Inside the Medieval Walls – Day out from London
• How to get to Hampton Court Palace from London – Surrey

Thank you for reading this article   ‘What to see and do at Kensington Palace London’ . I hope it helped you to decide what to do while visiting Kensington Palace London.  

If you are lucky, you might even see one of the Royal residences, like the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. 

Love History, pin it for later!!!!

 ⇒ Looking to discover other parts of London, please feel free to head to my England page.

Have you been to Kensington Palace London before? I would love to hear your experiences in the comments below.

Disclaimer : I paid to visit Kensington Palace , London, and all views are my own and based on my own experience.

“This post contains affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you if you click on one of the product links, we may earn a commission.”  For further details, you can view our   Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions   or contact me directly. 

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I am Mel B an indigenous Australian with dual citizenship. I am now a full-time travel blogger and content creator at MelBTravel. Writing about Adventure, Mountains, History, UK & Healthy Heart "Not letting a Defibrillator/Pacemaker & Sarcoidosis Limit Me"

23 thoughts on “ What to see at Kensington Palace London ”

Ooh there are so many things to see in the palace! I particularly love the gate which is so intricately carved. The ceilings and artefacts look so sunning. Would love to visit here someday! Thank you for sharing the details.

I love Kensington Palace and I can’t believe that the royals still live there. Definitely a lovely afternoon out

Would you believe in three visits to London, I have never been to Kensington Palace (also the British Museum)? Will definitely go next time!

Well you definitely better get there next time your in London. It is a good excuse to return

It’s been a while since I visited Kensington Palace, I need to return when the Orangery reopens, it’s so pretty

I will come with you when the Orangery reopens and we can have lunch overlooking the garden.

I’m British and I am embarrassed to say I have walked past Kensington Palace so many times and never actually gone in. Your pictures make it look so pretty and I need to actually go in sometime.

Don’t worry I have been here for 15yrs and it was not until I got the membership. Now I have been a few times as I really like it inside.

I love that there is a Royal Palace Pass! I have never heard about that till now! I haven’t been to England yet, but now I really want to go.

It is a great pass (membership) to get if you are planning on going to a few of them especially with friends and family. It will save you money and you can go unlimited.

Visiting historic places is always a high priority when I travel as I totally geek out on history. This is beautiful palace with lots of fascinating history. I’d love to have five rooms all to myself! I can see why you were so enamored with the King’s Staircase – lovely details!

I geek out to with visiting historical places it is one of my favourite things to do when I go somewhere new.

Crazy! I go to London a fair amount and have been at the Albert Memorial, Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. But…. I have never even thought about visiting Kensington Palace. Definitely on the list for next time! Love how you can use a bicycle to ride through the gardens, which are often my favourite part of a palace! Thanks so much for this guide.

Kensington Palace has some really lovely places to eat and have afternoon tea. I yet to try the bike riding in the park but I would love to do it to especially when in spring

Those gardens look beautiful and I love that they’re free to the public. I’m curious what Diana’s fashion story is like. When my husband and I are in London we’ll hopefully visit so I can see for myself!

I loved looking at all of Diana’s dresses and learning the story behind them. I hope you get there one day too

On my last visit to London I visited most of the popular tourist destinations but hadn’t been to Kensington Palace. The architecture is really gorgeous and fascinating to see inside especially the Queens State Apartments and those gardens.I’m wishing I had heard about it before. Thanks for sharing the information and tips

Love Kensington Palace … especially the gardens and the Cradle Walk. Great post!!! And awesome photos.

Why, I would love to have afternoon tea in the gardens at the palace! Based on your photos and description, I’d really want to go inside too. That staircase is incredible and I really like that dress in the Queen’s apartments. So much history.

The Sunken Garden looks SO beautiful! That statue of the queen is also very similar to the one in front of the Bahamian Parliament in Nassau!

The gardens are really nice there and the good thing is that you don’t have to pay to go to them.

For someone who loves exploring London I’m ashamed to admit i’ve never been to Kensington Palace. The photos look gorgeous so maybe I should finally get myself over there in spring. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂

Oh, Claire, you will have to go to someone soon. I didn’t go for many years and wondered why as it is really pretty inside.

Comments are closed.

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Hello! How long does a visit to the Palace...

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Kensington Palace Questions & Answers

Hello! How long does a visit to the Palace typically take? Thanks so much!

I would say roughly 2 hours, however you do go around at your own pace. There are 4 separate exhibitions so that's roughly 30 minutes each, but the Queen's Apartments & Fashion Rules you could see in about 15 minutes if you wanted.

It depends on what you want out of your visit though. If you just want to see it quick - you could do a nice visit in an hour. If you speak with the staff, attend the talks and read all the information booklets/panels and include the cafe/shop in your visit, you could be there all day - starting at 10.00 to 18.00 (last admission 17:00) in the summer!

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All of Blake Lively's Met Gala looks, ranked from least to most iconic

• Blake Lively has attended 10 Met Galas throughout her career. 
• Over the years, her outfits have just gotten better and more daring. 
• Most recently, Lively wore a dress inspired by NYC landmarks that changed colors.

The 2024 Met Gala has finally arrived.

On Monday night, celebrities will gather at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the annual charitable fundraiser, which benefits the museum's Costume Institute.

A-list stars will show off their interpretations of the " The Garden of Time " dress code for the "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" Met Gala with their red carpet attire.

It's always exciting to see attendees' different takes on the dress code, and Blake Lively is often a fan favorite thanks to her dramatic red carpet looks.

Check out all 10 of Lively's Met Gala looks from over the years, ranked from least to most iconic.

At the 2010 Met Gala, Lively wore a blue Marchesa minidress that was playful but a bit unmemorable.

The theme for the night was "American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity."

Lively stood out among other celebrities wearing floor-length gowns in this short look, which she paired with glittery black shoes and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry. Although the outfit was pretty, it wasn't as eye-catching as other Met Gala looks the actor has worn. 

She attended her first gala in 2008 wearing a strapless black Ralph Lauren dress that was just too simple for the grand event.

Lively made her debut at the "Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy" ball in a classic mermaid-style dress designed with feathers on the skirt. She coordinated the dress with black gloves and diamond bracelets. 

Lively opted for an edgier look for the "PUNK: Chaos to Couture" Met Gala in 2013.

Lively arrived at the gala in a strapless gray-and-black Gucci gown. The dress had tiers of silk fabric and metallic beading across the hips. She completed her look with statement diamond earrings. 

Lively started to embrace daring fashion at the 2009 event in a Versace dress with a thigh-high slit.

Lively paired her outfit with simple gold heels at the "The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion" gala. Her choice of understated accessories made it so all the attention was on the sheer sleeve, thigh-high slit, and plunging neckline design of the dress. 

Lively looked elegant at the 2011 Met Gala in a Grecian-inspired dress.

The same year that Lively became the face of Chanel, she attended the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty"-themed event in a gown from the brand's Fall 2009 Haute Couture collection.

Half of Lively's "naked" dress was embellished with silver flowers, and the other half was a long draped fabric panel. 

In 2014, Lively wore a form-fitting, blush Gucci Première gown that exuded Old Hollywood glamour and cemented her place as a style icon to watch at the gala.

The actor arrived at the "Charles James: Beyond Fashion" exhibit in a floor-length gown covered in sequins. At the event, Lively told People that her outfit was an example of how much she loves dramatic trains. 

"I love a train, but then when I get on these stairs, I'm like, 'Why am I wearing a train?'" she said.

The red jewelry Lively wore coordinated with the pink color of the dress.

Lively's Burberry dress in 2016 didn't fit the "Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology" theme, but she still made a statement in this princess look.

Lively looked ethereal in the pink-and-red dress. It had a thigh-high slit that was covered by a sheer fabric, so you could still see her leg peeking through. 

She was pregnant with her second child when she walked the red carpet but hadn't made the news public yet.

Lively's gold Atelier Versace gown at the 2017 Met Gala is one of her best, but it didn't make headlines like the dress she wore a year later.

The train of Lively dress at the "Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between"-themed event was designed with four different shades of blue feathers. She completed her look with sapphire and gold jewelry. 

At the 2018 gala, Lively made a fashion statement in an Atelier Versace dress with sheer thigh-high slits on both legs.

Lively's Versace gown for the "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination"-themed event took more than 600 hours to make.

The ornate ruby-and-gold gown was designed with a jewel-encrusted corset. She then accessorized the dramatic look with a spiked headpiece, Christian Louboutin shoes, and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.

Lively outdid her 2018 outfit when she channeled the Statue of Liberty at the 2022 gala in a gown that unraveled to create two stunning looks, going from copper to green.

The actor, who was a co-chair for the 2022 event alongside husband Ryan Reynolds, arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in a custom Versace look that changed from bronze to green to mirror the oxidation of the famous New York City landmark. The tulle dress was embroidered with crystal and metallic leather and tri-tone copper foil. 

When Lively arrived, the dress had an oversized copper bow at the hip leading into a long, dramatic train. The bow unraveled as she walked along the red carpet to reveal the green color. 

Lively told E! on the red carpet that the front of the dress was designed to emulate the architecture of the Empire State Building. She also said her Lorraine Schwartz crown was another accessory meant to mimic the Statue of Liberty. 

E!'s Zanna Roberts Rassi said the green side of the train was embroidered with a celestial map inspired by the same 12 zodiac constellations that are painted on the ceiling of Grand Central Terminal in New York City. 

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Princess Kate Video Fuels More Speculation—As Kensington Palace Won’t Confirm If It’s New

T MZ and The Sun published a video that appears to show Prince William and his wife Kate out shopping as speculation over her whereabouts hit a fever pitch—but Kensington Palace has yet to comment on the video’s authenticity, as theories and conspiracies run rampant on social media.

Hours after publishing claims that Kate was spotted at the Windsor Farm Shop, U.K. tabloid The Sun shared a video that appears to show Kate and William at the store.

The Sun said onlooker Nelson Silva captured the video, and he reportedly said Kate looked “happy and relaxed.”

TMZ claimed it verified the video was taken over the weekend by looking at its metadata, but The Washington Post said it could not confirm the exact date the video was shot.

Kensington Palace has not confirmed or denied the veracity of the video, or whether William and Kate were present at Windsor Farm Shop this weekend (Forbes has reached out to Kensington Palace for comment).

In several viral posts , social media users questioned the authenticity of the video—including Bravo television host Andy Cohen, who tweeted : “That ain’t Kate….” (Cohen also asked his 5.5 million Instagram followers through a poll if they think it is actually Kate in the video—and 73% voted “no”).

The video caused a surge in interest in Kate’s whereabouts, with a significant spike in Google searches for the Princess of Wales after it was published Monday afternoon.

Key Background

Kate has not undertaken any public engagements since Christmas, as Kensington Palace has said she is recovering from abdominal surgery. Few photos of the Princess of Wales have been released in recent weeks, all of which have failed to dim public speculation over Kate’s health. Kensington Palace released an image of Kate and her children on March 10 for Mother’s Day, but the Associated Press and other news outlets soon retracted the picture over suspicion it was digitally manipulated. The next day, the palace issued a statement signed by Kate that she had edited the image herself and offered an apology for confusion the picture caused. Several news outlets published pictures of Kate wearing sunglasses in a car on March 4, and one week later, the Daily Mail published another photograph of Kate in a car, though her face is turned away from the camera. In both pictures, the quality is low and Kate’s face is obscured. The royal family again faced heat for edited photos on Tuesday: Getty Images said a picture, credited to Kate, of the late Queen Elizabeth II with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was “digitally enhanced.”

Kensington Palace has maintained in public statements that Kate is doing well in her recovery, and the palace has seldom responded to the rumors that capture the public’s imagination. The palace said Kate returned home following her hospital stay on Jan. 29 and was making “good progress.” The royal family again said Kate was doing well after speculation over her health grew after William pulled out of attending a memorial service for a “personal matter.” Kensington Palace has not addressed many of the rumors about Kate that have circulated, but the royal family reportedly dismissed one claim by Spanish journalist Concha Calleja that Kate was in a coma, reportedly calling the theory “total nonsense” and “ludicrous.”

Surprising Fact

Heidi Agan, who calls herself the U.K.’s “most realistic Kate Middleton lookalike,” denied she was actually the person in the video after her social media was flooded with comments. Agan has made an income off of making appearances at parties and other engagements dressed as Kate since 2012.

Further Reading

Kate Middleton’s Public Disappearance Timeline: New Photo Called ‘Digitally Enhanced’ (Forbes)

Another Royal Family Photo Scandal: Second Picture Slammed By News Agency As ‘Digitally Enhanced’ (Forbes)

Why a New Video of Kate Middleton Isn’t Quelling Concerns (TIME)

Prince William and Catherine post new photo to mark 13th wedding anniversary

A new photo of the Prince and Princess of Wales on their wedding day has been published on the couple's social media accounts to mark their 13th wedding anniversary. 

Prince William and Catherine — who was then referred to in the media as Kate Middleton — were married on April 29, 2011.

The new black-and-white photo shows Catherine in her wedding gown and Prince William in what appeared to be an Irish Guards frock coat after their ceremony. 

Within hours of publishing, the image had attracted more than 1.3 million likes on the couple's Instagram account. 

On X, the post had attracted nearly 2 million views. 

"13 years ago today!" the post read along with a credit to photographer Millie Pilkington

Heightened attention on the couple

As Prince William and Catherine are the future king and queen, there's always great interest in the royal couple.

However, they've been the subject of intense media coverage in the past few months. 

The couple's social media accounts came under scrutiny last month , after an image of Catherine and the pair's three children posted on the UK's Mother's Day was revealed to have been edited. 

Several news syndication agencies — Associated Press and Reuters — had published the photos, but later issued take-down notices to subscribers . 

That came during a time when conspiracy theories were running rampant about Catherine, sparked by an announcement earlier in the year that she wouldn't be appearing publicly while she recovered from abdominal surgery. 

About a fortnight after the edited Mother's Day photo was posted, Catherine announced she had been diagnosed with cancer. 

Last week, a photo of Prince Louis was posted to the pair's social media accounts to mark his birthday , with Catherine credited as the photographer. 

In the BBC's coverage of the story , the British broadcaster's royal correspondent Sean Coughlan made a point of saying the picture was undoctored. 

"After the controversy over changes to a Mother's Day family photograph, Kensington Palace has assured that this picture has not been edited," he wrote. 

"The photograph of Louis, who is fourth in line to the throne, was taken in Windsor in the 'last few days' says the palace."

Photographer 'excited and honoured' by throwback

The photo was taken in 2011 by Millie Pilkington, who continues to photograph the royal family. 

"Wishing the @princeandprincessofwales the very happiest wedding anniversary," Pilkington said on her Instagram account. 

"Can't believe it is 13 years ago almost to the hour, that I took this portrait.

"So excited and honoured that they should wish to share it."

Pilkington is a commercial photographer but also works on private photography shoots of the Prince and Princess of Wales. 

"... the majority of her commissions, which range from fun and informal family portraits to the private wedding photographs of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, aren't in the public realm," her website says. 

Pilkington was also the photographer who snapped the latest portrait of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, which was published over the weekend. 

The photograph was posted along with an announcement confirming the king, who has been undergoing cancer treatment, was returning to public-facing duties. 

The palace has not confirmed what kind of cancer King Charles has, only stating that it was not prostate cancer. 

In the weeks before his cancer diagnosis was made public, the palace said King Charles had been undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate. 

Wasn't Prince William wearing a different suit?

For the ceremony and the balcony appearance, Prince William was wearing a red top:

It wasn't just a colour choice, it was a uniform — specifically, the Colonel of the Irish Guards uniform. 

"Prince William, who is commissioned in all three Armed Services, and who has served actively with the Army (The Household Cavalry Regiment) and with the Royal Air Force (Search and Rescue Force), chose to wear the uniform of his senior honorary appointment in the Army," the royal family said in a statement back in 2011 . 

It was his grandmother's — Queen Elizabeth II — wish for him to wear the red uniform, he said in an interview with Katie Couric for American broadcaster ABC in 2012 .

"What I really wanted to wear was the Irish Guards frock coat," he said. 

"We had a couple of discussions on this matter but, as I learnt growing up, you don't mess with your grandmother.

"What she says goes."

He changed outfits after the official proceedings, which you can see from these photos of the couple driving away from Buckingham Palace:

What did Kate's reception dress look like?

Catherine also changed after the ceremony.

It was described as "a strapless white satin gazar evening gown with diamante around the waist and a white angora bolero cardigan" in a report by the BBC . 

Catherine's ceremony dress was one of the most photographed wedding dresses of our time.

But there are less public pictures of her second dress — looking back through the archive at Getty Images, there were only four. 

They were taken as she was leaving Clarence House with Camilla "to travel to Buckingham Palace for the evening celebrations".

In this photo from Reuters, you can see Prince William had changed again before the party:

These days, many brides in Australia will change from their ceremonial gown into something less formal for their wedding reception. 

Some even have several outfit changes throughout the day. 

But back in 2011, that wasn't so much of a trend.

Catherine's wedding gown had a train that stretched 2 metres and 70 centimetres. 

And, if you remember correctly, she required a bit of help from sister and maid of honour Pippa Middleton to manage the train. 

So it made sense to have something a little more mobile for the reception. 

Both dresses were designed by Sarah Burton who was then with British fashion house Alexander McQueen.

While we may now call them second dresses or reception dresses, Catherine's gown was referred to as "evening dress" by the BBC. 

A very online wedding

The wedding was a huge event around the world. 

Back in 2011, the social media scene was different and we didn't have the streaming services we enjoy today. 

So the wedding was broadcast on television and streamed online via YouTube. 

This was a big deal. 

It was dubbed "the most digital and interactive coverage of a Royal Wedding to date" in a statement on the Royal.UK website .

The whole ceremony is still available on watch on YouTube:

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Princess Beatrice Shares Upbeat Update on Mom Sarah Ferguson's Health Following Cancer Diagnoses

Princess Beatrice shared the encouraging word during an interview filmed in New York City

Janine Henni is a Royals Staff Writer for PEOPLE Digital, covering modern monarchies and the world's most famous families. Like Queen Elizabeth, she loves horses and a great tiara moment.

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• Princess Beatrice gave an update about how her mother, Sarah Ferguson, is doing after announcing two cancer diagnoses seven months apart
• The eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Fergie was in New York City to support The Outward Bound Trust
• The news comes after a source told PEOPLE the Duchess of York was "very relieved" to receive positive news about her health

Princess Beatrice has spoken about how her mother, Sarah Ferguson , is doing for the first time since the Duchess of York announced that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and skin cancer seven months apart.

Princess Beatrice, 35, opened up on the U.K. talk show This Morning on May 6, which she joined via video from the top of the Empire State Building in New York City. The eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York, popularly known as Fergie, joined the ITV talk show to highlight her support for The Outward Bound Trust on an important day for the organization. The educational charity, which works to empower young people through challenging learning expeditions, organized the first-ever rappel off the Empire State Building as a fundraiser on May 6. 

According to Hello! magazine , Princess Beatrice said that her mother was "all clear" following her health scares of the last year. 

"She's such a phenomenal icon. As a mum, she's been amazing. She's been through so much and her sense of purpose and resilience really keeps me going," Princess Beatrice told co-hosts Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle when they asked about the Duchess of York’s health. 

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"She's doing really well. She's had a bumpy health scare last year but all clear now. At 64, she's thriving; she's been through so much, but I think really now she's coming into her own," she continued. "We're just reminded when any parent or individual has a health scenario, just really get the checks that you need to get as early as you possibly can." 

"Both my sister and I are so proud of her for taking those steps to get those checks and it really modeled our health considerations on that," Princess Beatrice added, referring to her younger sister, Princess Eugenie .

"There's nothing more important than family," said Beatrice, who is married to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi . The couple are parents to 2-year-old daughter Sienna and Edo’s 8-year-old son Christopher Woolf , known as Wolfie, from a previous relationship. 

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The Duchess of York has been a vocal advocate around the importance of early detection through screenings since sharing that she was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2023. Fergie has continued to raise awareness since announcing in January that she was diagnosed with malignant melanoma , a form of skin cancer, following post-operative analysis of a mole removed during reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy . 

In March, a source told PEOPLE that the Duchess of York was "very relieved" to learn that her skin cancer, which was detected in January, had not spread. Fergie told friends that she had further surgery around the edges of the site of the mole where she had the skin cancer and her lymph nodes. 

"Fortunately, they have turned out to be clear. This is the best news she could have on it at this stage," a friend told PEOPLE. "She will have to attend checkups every 12 weeks."

"She is very relieved," the source added.

In an unprecedented crisis for the royal family, King Charles and Kate Middleton both shared this year that they are undergoing treatment for cancer.

Buckingham Palace announced on Feb. 5 that the King, 75, was diagnosed with "a form of cancer" following treatment for a benign enlarged prostate in January. A spokesman clarified he does not have prostate cancer.

On March 22, the Princess of Wales, 42, announced that she was undergoing chemotherapy after post-operative tests following her abdominal surgery in January "found cancer had been present" though her condition was initially thought to be non-cancerous.

King Charles resumed forward-facing duties on April 30 with a visit to a cancer treatment center in London, while Princess Kate has postponed her public work amid her treatment. 

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Three days after the Princess of Wales announced the news about her health, the Duchess of York praised her for speaking out about her diagnosis in a statement on Instagram . 

"All my thoughts and prayers are with the Princess of Wales as she starts her treatment," Fergie wrote on March 25. "I know she will be surrounded by the love of her family and everyone is praying for the best outcome."

"As someone who has faced their own battles with cancer in recent months, I am full of admiration for the way she has spoken publicly about her diagnosis and know it will do a tremendous amount of good to raise awareness," she continued. "I hope she will now be given the time, space and privacy to heal."

Looking ahead, the Princess of Wales "will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team. She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery," a Kensington Palace spokesperson said at the time of her cancer news announcement.

A palace source later told PEOPLE that Princess Kate might join family events when she feels able, though it may not signal a full return to work.

Meghan Markle skipping UK visit 'prompts huge sigh of relief from Kensington Palace'

Meghan Markle skipping the UK visit her husband is embarking on next week has seemingly prompted a ‘huge sigh of relief’ from Kensington Palace, according to an expert

• 17:21, 5 MAY 2024
• Updated 22:52, 5 MAY 2024

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Meghan Markle 's decision not to return to the United Kingdom with her husband Prince Harry has prompted a "huge sigh of relief" from Kensington Palace, a royal expert claims.

The Duke of Sussex is due to attend a special service at St Paul's Cathedral on May 8 to celebrate 10 years of the Invictus Games, a groundbreaking sports competition for ex-servicepeople that Harry founded back in 2014.

Sources have claimed that when Prince Harry contacted his father King Charles and asked for a meeting, the monarch had a simple four-word response to the request, that he would do so "if he is able". And now as Harry is expected to fly solo to England without his wife Meghan, a royal expert claims her absence has left sources at Kensington Palace - the home of Prince William and Princess Kate - feeling rather relieved.

READ MORE: Whoopi Goldberg reveals serious cocaine addiction which left her fearing she would die

Meghan will be remaining in California while her husband travels attends the service to give a reading. The Duchess will likely stay behind to look after the couple's two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet .

Royal expert and author Tom Quinn has spoken exclusively to The Mirror about the Duke of Sussex's upcoming trip to England, with him also touching on the way in which Meghan decided to snub the event . Harry's visit to the UK marks his second solo return in recent months, with the Duke flying over earlier this year after hearing of his father's cancer diagnosis.

Prince Harry being back in the UK next week will mark the first time he has walked British soil since his sister-in-law Kate Middleton revealed her cancer diagnosis to the world . Quinn touched on this when he told us: "The shock of Kate’s recent cancer diagnosis provides one possible route through all the difficulties surrounding these family meetings. If anything will make Harry behave as he used to behave before his marriage it will be the shock of potentially losing someone he once described as ‘the sister he always wanted’."

He added: "William hates the idea of meeting Harry again. For Kate it’s different. She finds the idea of meeting Harry far less awkward just so long as Meghan isn’t around."

Quinn then dropped a bombshell when he said: "Which is why, at Kensington Palace there was a huge sigh of relief when it was confirmed that Meghan would not be accompanying her husband to the UK. William and Kate have always attributed the change in Harry – from a charming if wilful boy to an angry young man – to Meghan’s influence. Kate supports her husband, but still sees Harry as a troubled little boy who just needs attention and unconditional love."

Back in March, the Princess of Wales revealed she was undergoing treatment for cancer in an emotional video . She spoke about the "huge shock" of the medical development and how her family has experienced an "incredibly tough couple of months" and at times her voice cracked with feeling.

Despite their ongoing rift with the Royal Family , Prince Harry and Meghan Markle issued a public statement and some experts said they also reached out to the Prince and Princess of Wales privately. "We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace," the Sussexes said in their public display of support at the time.

It was also reported, shortly after their public message, that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex "reached out" to William and Catherine in private. ITV's royal editor Chris Ship said Harry "has reached out to his brother" despite the tensions between them.

Taking to Twitter , Mr Ship revealed: " Prince Harry has reached out to his brother, Prince William after learning of Kate’s cancer. Harry and Meghan have both been in touch with their brother/sister-in-law but did so privately. It not clear if that was a phone/video call or some messages of support."

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King Charles to resume public duties after 'progress' in cancer treatment

LONDON — Britain’s King Charles III will resume public duties next week for the first time since his cancer diagnosis almost three months ago, Buckingham Palace announced Friday.

Charles “will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation,” the palace said in a statement. The palace also revealed that the king’s medical team is “very encouraged” by the progress of his recovery but did not disclose any further details.

Joined by Queen Camilla, the king will visit an unnamed cancer center Tuesday and meet medical specialists and patients.

“This visit will be the first in a number of external engagements his majesty will undertake in the weeks ahead,” the palace said in a statement. He will also receive Japanese Emperor Naruhito for a state visit in June.

Ahead of the anniversary of Charles’ coronation May 6, he and the queen “remain deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes they have received from around the world throughout the joys and challenges of the past year,” the statement added.

Charles, 75, has been restricting himself to private duties since being diagnosed in February with an unspecified form of cancer . Doctors discovered the cancer after the king was hospitalized with an enlarged prostate, although the palace says that he does not have prostate cancer.

The king’s “treatment program will continue” and “doctors are  sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far,” the palace said Friday. “It is early to say” how much longer the king’s medical treatment will last, it said, but his medical team is "very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the king’s continued recovery.”

Though Charles is resuming duties, “it will not be a full summer program” and “will remain subject to doctors’ advice,” it said, adding that he “is greatly encouraged to be resuming some public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued care and expertise.”

The king’s shocking diagnosis has heralded a fragile period for Britain’s royals.

Kate, the Princess of Wales, revealed last month that she, too, was being treated for cancer . Weeks of speculation over her health and whereabouts were only fueled when her team posted a photo that had been manipulated by the princess.

Kate, 42, is receiving what her team described as preventive chemotherapy . But both she and Charles have declined to specify either what type of cancer they have or details about their prognosis.

Their convalescence has left the royals somewhat shorthanded.

Shorn of their widely popular talisman, Queen Elizabeth II, after her death in 2022, the family is also down some would-be workhorses in Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, as well as Prince Andrew.

Kensington Palace said that Kate would return to the public eye after Easter, although that public holiday has come and gone with little sign of the princess.

Unlike Kate, who has not made an official public appearance since late December, Charles returned to the public eye at the Easter Sunday service in Windsor last month. “You’re very brave to stand out here in the cold,” he told members of the crowd as he greeted well-wishers on what was a chilly day.

Nevertheless, the king has been frustrated with the length of time his recovery is taking, according to his nephew Peter Phillips.

The saga has also highlighted a disconnect between the royals’ expectation of privacy and demands by the public for information and accountability from the institution they help fund.

The king has received some praise for revealing his cancer diagnosis at all, a level of candor that was markedly absent when it came to royals past. Charles’ grandfather King George VI died from a lung cancer that was kept from the public, press and perhaps even the monarch himself.

Charles said he wanted to go public about his treatment to encourage other men to get themselves checked. And the page for “enlarged prostate” on the website of Britain’s National Health Service received 11 times more traffic following his announcement, the National Health Service said.

However, some doctors and other medical commentators questioned the wisdom of keeping the specific type of cancer secret: How are people supposed to get themselves checked out for a disease that has myriad different forms and symptoms?

Charles’ swift diagnosis and treatment have also highlighted the dilapidated state of the NHS itself, a taxpayer-funded institution that’s historically been a source of pride for Brits, thanks to it being universally free at the point of access. Years of budget cuts mean the NHS is creaking, and waiting times and survival rates for cancers across the board have slipped in comparison with other countries.

Alexander Smith is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital based in London.