In Pictures: Inside Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace. Image from Wikimedia Commons

Kensington Palace is one of the top tourist attractions of London. Kings and queens lived here since the 17th century until Queen Victoria succeeded to the throne. Since then, a host of royal children, grandchildren and cousins have occupied the palace’s apartments and cottages, as such, it later earned the moniker “the Aunts’ Heap”. Among the high-profile royals who lived here were Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdown, and Diana Princess of Wales. Currently, Kensington Palace is the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.

While the royal apartments are off limits to the public, the State Rooms, nevertheless, are open for guests and history buffs to enjoy. The State Rooms are managed by the nonprofit Historic Royal Palaces, while the offices and the royal accommodation are maintained by the Royal Household. Exhibits are regularly organized, where many paintings and other objects with strong links to the Royal Family are lend from the Royal Collection for display.

The King's Drawing Room. Image from Wikimedia Commons

The King's Drawing is where the King William III would usually give audience to his courtiers eager to seek his favour and patronage. The painting of Venus and Cupid by Vasari is the main focal of the drawing room. Queen Caroline attempted to remove the painting while King George II was in Hanover. Upon his return, the furious king demanded their return and there the painting remains displayed on the exact same position.

The King's Gallery. Image from Wikimedia Commons

At the King's Gallery, King William III would play soldiers with his little nephew. It was also here where he caught the chill that claimed his life in 1702.

The King's Staircase. Image from Flickr

The King's Staircase links the circuit of rooms making up the King's State Apartments. High profile personalities in the king's court and in the society climbed these stairs to see the King.