The palace was once a small and suburban villa, known as Nottingham House. New monarchs William III and Mary II chose this modest mansion in 1689 to be their country retreat. Over the years, Stuart and Georgian monarchs transformed the palace into a fashionable home for Britains young royal families. Queen Caroline shaped the palace and gardens, and Queen Victoria spent her childhood here. She left to live in Buckingham Palace in 1837. Kensington later became home for minor royals, including her daughter, the talented sculptor Princess Louise. More recent inhabitants include Diana, Princess of Wales, Princess Margaret, and currently, the HRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children, along with HRH Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle.
When visiting the Kings State Apartments, one thing you will noticed is that they are surprisingly sparse. This is because unlike domestic rooms, the State Apartments were used for audinces and meetings, however these rooms contain many sculptures and works of art, such as the terractta busts of George II and his wife Queen Caroline, made by Michael Rysbrack in 1738 and 1739. Kensington Palace is currenly exhibiting Diana: Her Fashion Story, is the sell-out exhibition featuring some of Diana, Princess of Wales' most famous outfits.