13 June 2025

Kensington Palace: A Jewel in Britain's Royal Crown

By Joanne Townsend Administration Assistant
Ornate wrought iron and gold gates in front of a large red-brick mansion with a manicured lawn.

Like other British monarchs, King Charles has two birthdays; an official state birthday which falls on 14th June this year, and his actual birthdate on 14th November where he celebrates privately. The date of his state birthday varies each year, and it is celebrated with a procession known as Trooping the Colour. The reason behind the King’s double celebrations is mainly due to the British weather, as traditionally the monarch’s birthday is celebrated with outdoor events, so it makes more sense to celebrate it in the Summer when there is a greater chance of having nicer weather.

With the King’s official state birthday coming up, we thought that it was the perfect time to shine a light on one of the many amazing royal properties:

Ornate wrought iron and gold gates in front of a large red-brick mansion with a manicured lawn.

Kensington Palace

Nestled within the serene and beautiful Kensington Gardens in London, Kensington Palace stands as a testament to over four centuries of British royal history. From its Jacobean origins to its current role as a residence for members of the royal family, the palace has witnessed significant events and transformations.

Kensington Palace is a Grade I listed building which was originally constructed in 1605 as Nottingham House for Sir George Coppin.

Buildings are Grade I listed because they are of exceptional architectural or historic interest. They also often hold historical significance. Kensington Palace is protected due to its royal heritage and architectural importance, therefore receiving its Grade 1 listing. Originally a Jacobean mansion, it was transformed over time and now showcases a blend of Stuart and Georgian architectural styles, making it a historically significant landmark.

In 1689, King William III and Queen Mary II chose the modest mansion as their country retreat. They later commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to extend and transform it into a royal residence. Wren’s work included the addition of the King and Queen’s State Apartments, which remain among the palace’s most visited areas today. Subsequent monarchs, including Queen Anne and King George II, made further enhancements, solidifying the palace’s status as a royal home. This rework introduced Palladian symmetry and Baroque grandeur, hallmarks of Stuart architecture.

During the Georgian era, the palace underwent further enhancements, particularly under Queen Caroline, who shaped its gardens and interiors. Georgian influences can be seen in its classical proportions, elegant facades, and refined decorative elements, reflecting the era’s emphasis on order and sophistication. Today, Kensington Palace stands as a testament to the architectural evolution of the British royal family.

Adding further to its historical significance, Kensington Palace has been the birthplace and residence of several monarchs. Queen Victoria was born there in 1819; it is where she enjoyed most of her early years. She received the news of her accession to the throne in 1837 at the palace when she was just 18 years old, though she chose to reign from Buckingham Palace from then on.

Kensington Palace also served as the residence for Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon in the 1960s, and King Charles lived there after his marriage to Diana, Princess of Wales in 1981. Furthermore, their sons Prince William and Prince Harry grew up there and Diana, Princess of Wales went on to live at the Palace until her death in 1997.

Kensington Palace continues to house several members of the royal family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.

Today, Kensington Palace is open to the public and is managed by Historic Royal Palaces, an independent charity.  Visitors can get a glimpse into royal life through its state rooms and exhibitions which feature royal fashion, and personal artefacts. The palace gardens are meticulously maintained,  the Sunken Garden, provides a tranquil setting for reflection and appreciation of the royal heritage and became the site of a memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales, with a statue unveiled in 2021 to mark what would have been her 60th birthday.

To find out about some of the other royal properties read our article: UK homes fit for a King (and his Queen) | Abode Insurance

Formal gardens with colorful flower beds and a rectangular pond in front of a historic brick building under a partly cloudy sky.

At Abode we care about protecting all aspects of your listed property. Find out more about what Abode can offer here: Get a Quote Listed Home Insurance | Abode Insurance

Written by

Related products

Listed properties hold an important place in our national heritage. As a result, there are certain laws around the changes you can make to your home both inside and out, to help preserve the features and character that make it individual. Insuring your listed home is therefore more complex, but it is also absolutely vital.

Tudor home in England
Call Us

Call us on 01622 476433 and speak to a member of our team

CALL US
Email Us

Email info@abode-insurance.com and a member of our team will get in touch with you

email us
Complete our quote form

Complete our quote form and a member of the team will be in touch with you shortly

contact us