Kensington Palace

Monday 23rd February, 2015

1A covered in scaffolding. Copyright: Blog Author

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have lived at Kensington Palace since 2011. 

Shortly after their marraige, the couple moved into Nottingham Cottage in the grounds of the Palace. This was a perfect base for the newly weds as it was a secure, private but still intimate London base. At this time Catherine and William were spending most of their time in Angelsey, Wales where The Duke was based as a search and rescue helicopter pilot. 

Plans were made for William and Catherine to eventually move into Kensington Palace's Apartment 1A which was previously the home of the late Princess Margaret. The Princess passed away in 2002. 

1A needed an extensive renovation (see photo above which shows apartment on left covered whilst asbestos removed in April 2013) to replace plumbing, wiring, removal of asbestos and new modern kitchens installed. The apartment was finally finished in October 2013, a few months after Prince George was born. 

Prince George Outside Apartment 1A

 
 Apartments 8 & 9

Diana's Sitting Room

Princes William and Harry spent most of their formative years in the Palace's apartments 8 &  9. After their marraige in 1981, The Prince and Princess of Wales had these apartments combined to provide a large family home.  It was ready just a month before William was born.

Prince William and his brother spent their early years at Kensington Palace during the week and the country home Highrove House in Tetbury, Gloucestershire on weekends. 

Dudley Poplack was in charge of interior decoration for both Kensington Palace and Highgrove House.  

Diana's eldest sister Lady Jane Fellowes also lived at the Palace in a grace and favour home. Lady Jane's husband, Sir (now Lord) Robert Fellowes was equerry to Her Majesty The Queen. 

Jane and Diana's children are of similar ages so the young princes had easy access to their cousins.

William & Harry's Nursery

Diana continued to live at Kensington Palace until her death in 1997. The Princess' coffin was at the Palace the night before her funeral. The gun carriage carrying the Princess left Kensington Palace for the long journey to Westminster Abbey via Buckingham Palace.

After her death, Apartments 8 & 9 were emptied and  once again separated. It is believed that one apartment is being used by William, Catherine & Harry for official use. 

Prince Harry has indicated he would like to live at Kensington Palace  when he needs a family home. But the future home he prefers is currently being used by either a member of the extended royal family or a servant with a grace and favour lease.

Entrance to State Apartments. Copyright: Blog Author