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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.

how much to visit kensington palace

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

how much to visit kensington palace

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).

how much to visit kensington palace

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.

how much to visit kensington palace

Free Tours in Your Language

London Travel Planning

Visiting Kensington Palace – Tickets, Tours & FAQs

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: April 5, 2023

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

Visiting Kensington Palace and gardens.

Visiting Kensington Palace – Tickets & Tours

Kensington palace facts and figures, kensington gardens, when is the best time to visit kensington palace, what to see at kensington palace, what other uk attractions are located near kensington palace, tips for planning your visit to kensington palace, visit these other london attractions and landmarks – tickets, tours & faqs.

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

how much to visit kensington palace

  • 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

how much to visit 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.  

how much to visit kensington palace

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 . 

how much to visit kensington palace

  • 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. 

how much to visit kensington palace

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

how much to visit kensington palace

  • 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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how much to visit kensington palace

TheBetterVacation.com

Everything about tourist attractions

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

Edited by: Rekha Rajan Fact checked by: Jamshed V Rajan

Kensington Palace

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.

Kensington Palace tickets

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.

how much to visit kensington palace

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.

Kings Gallery, Kensington Palace

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.

Diana - Her Fashion Story

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.

Popular attractions in London

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

Sudha Ramasubramanian

She believes that the world is full of must-see places and must-do adventures, and has a never-ending list of places she wants to visit. Driven by a passion for the outdoors, she connects better with nature, and wildlife more than Museums and monuments. Favorite Cities: Cape Town, Kathmandu, Hanoi, Reykjavik, Vienna

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The Geographical Cure

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.

Queen Victoria statue in front of Kensington Palace

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

King's Staircase

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.

Presence Chamber

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.

Throne Room, with Beyonce gown

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

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 Long Gallery

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.

how much to visit kensington palace

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.

Queen Victoria's birth room

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.

Victoria's dollhouse

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.

Sunken Garden

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.

Princess Diana statue in the Sunken Garden

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.

Jan Verkolje, Portrait of Mary II, 1688

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.

Princess Diana

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.

sign at Kensington Palace

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 .

palace entrance

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

painting in the palace

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

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Last Updated on November 27, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

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Kensington Palace, London

Kensington palace's history.

Kensington Palace

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/promotion   Other royal palaces in London  

Kensington Palace tickets

KENSINGTON PALACE TICKETS

Kensington Palace, London

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, London

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?

Kensington Palace gardens

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

Queen Victoria Statue, Kensington Gardens, London

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.

Save more on Kensington Palace tickets with a pass or promotion

Kensington Palace & London's attraction passes and promotions

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.

The London Pass - Kensington Palace is supported by London's most popular attraction pass, (with over 80 top London attractions). Top attractions on the London Pass list include the London Zoo , Westminster Abbey , St, Paul's , View from the Shard and the Tower of London . The London Pass offers incredible savings over buying individual attraction tickets.

Go City London Explorer Pass - this pass is similar to the London Pass only instead of allowing entry for a set number of days, it gives entry for up to 60 days, and you purchase by the number of attractions you wish to visit.

To purchase either of these passes follow the banner links below.

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The more you visit, the more you save

• Access 80+ London attractions including the Tower of London, London Zoo, Thames River Cruise, Tower Bridge, St. Paul's, Westminster Abbey, The View from Shard, Windsor Castle, a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, and many more... • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10 day passes available.

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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.'

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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 .

The Royal Palaces of LONDON

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

10. Bronze Statue of King William III

Bronze Statue of King William III in front of Kensington Palace

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

how much to visit kensington palace

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

how much to visit kensington palace

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.

how much to visit kensington palace

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

how much to visit kensington palace

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

how much to visit kensington palace

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

how much to visit kensington palace

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

how much to visit kensington palace

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

Queen's Apartments in Kensington Palace

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

how much to visit kensington palace

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

how much to visit kensington palace

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

how much to visit kensington palace

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 .

how much to visit kensington palace

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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 in spring

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.

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 Questions & Answers

how much to visit kensington palace

I agree with other reviews , about 2 hours , including lunch & gift shop .

how much to visit kensington palace

I would say about an hour. The cafe is good for a snack and the gardens are worth a look too. But the actual exhibition is quite small but many of the iconic garment on display. Very informative staff and so it depends on you how much detail you want or just a simple browse.

how much to visit kensington palace

A couple of hours.

how much to visit kensington palace

If you want to take your time and really soak everything in - 2 hours

how much to visit kensington palace

One hour should be plenty. Outside grounds are lovely.

how much to visit kensington palace

I agree. 1.5 hours is more than adequate. However don't make this your first choice of places to visit in london

how much to visit kensington palace

I'd say 90 mins. We went in at 10 and was all done by 11.40 but we dithered for ages in the shop!!

how much to visit kensington palace

An hour and 30 mins should be enough. My fiancé and I did the self guided walking tour.

how much to visit kensington palace

About 1.5 hours is adequate .

how much to visit kensington palace

You can take as long as you want but we took about 1.5 hours

how much to visit kensington palace

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The Famous Palace Gardens

Kensington palace.

The famous Kensington Palace Gardens are one of The Royal Parks of London. With several gardens and art galleries on site, there is much to see. Here are some of the most popular features.

Check Ticket Availability

Looking to Visit Kensington Palace in 2024. Check tour & ticket availability now.

The Sunken Garden

Since being opened to the public, the Sunken Garden has remained a source of interest for visitors exploring the elaborate planting, landscaped design, and ornamental pond. In 2021, on what would have been Princess Diana’s 60th birthday, a new memorial was opened to the public by her sons, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.

Serpentine Galleries

Located within Kensington Palace Gardens, the Serpentine Galleries are comprised of the Serpentine South Gallery and the Serpentine North Gallery. Every year an architect is commissioned to design a Serpentine Pavilion for the Gallery lawn, with the new design a draw for those seeking to view the latest architectural innovation in the gardens.

The Kensington Garden Allotment

The allotment in Kensington Garden is open daily and tended by volunteers. Visitors to the gardens can walk around the allotment and gather tips on how to grow their own vegetables and fruit.

Garden visitors can also view the Elfin Oak sculpture, which is situated nearby the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground.

Kensington Palace Tours & Tickets

Tours & Highlights

Kensington Palace is one of London’s top attractions, drawing in visitors with the allure of the British royal family, gorgeous architecture and tranquil gardens in the middle of a bustling city. Let's take a look at some of the highlights that simply can’t be missed.

Kensington Palace Tours

Kensington Palace State Rooms

The State Rooms

Welcome to Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria, based in the heart of London. This beautiful historic palace allows visitors to experience the living spaces where many royal family members have been brought up over hundreds of years.

Kensington Palace State Rooms

Kensington Palace History

Historic Kensington Palace

Since its beginnings in the early 17th century as the mansion house of Sir George Coppin, Kensington Palace has undergone numerous changes, seen illustrious residents and became the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's official residence.

Kensington Palace History

Visiting Kensington Palace in 2024

A Kensington Palace admission ticket provides access to all public areas of the palace and gardens. By booking your ticket and arrival slot online in advance, you can help ensure your visit goes to plan.

Opening Times

Note: Kensington Palace is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and between 24th - 26th December.

1st November – 1st March Open Wednesday to Sunday: 10.00-16.00 - Last admission: 14.30

21st April – 31st October Open Wednesday to Sunday: 10.00-18.00 - Last admission: 17.00

Accessibility

Due to conservation works, accessible parking is currently not available. Kensington Palace has ground-level access from Kensington Gardens, and the palace floors have lift access for visitors.

Visitors Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to visit kensington palace, can i take photographs inside kensington palace, can i buy tickets for kensington palace online prior to my visit, is there a guided tour available at kensington palace, is kensington palace accessible for people with disabilities, are there any restrictions on the use of pushchairs/strollers or baby carriers inside kensington palace, is there a dress code for visiting kensington palace, are there any nearby attractions or landmarks to visit after kensington palace.

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Kensington Palace Addresses Those Wild Princess of Wales Conspiracy Theories

By Elise Taylor

Image may contain Adult Person People Head Face Photography Clothing Hat Portrait Happy and Smile

Kensington Palace is officially commenting on the Kate Middleton rumor mill.

In January, the royal family announced that the Princess of Wales would be taking a break from public life until Easter as she recovered from a planned abdominal surgery. They also asked for her privacy to be respected during this period. “She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normalcy for her children as possible,” Kensington Palace said at the time.

However, for the past 48 hours, conspiracy theories about the whereabouts of Kate Middleton have been shared wildly on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter.

Many were humorous (like ones suggesting she’s at the disastrous Glasgow Willy Wonka experience). However, some took a more sinister tone, speculating that the Princess was “missing,” or that the royal family was hiding the real reason for her absence from public life.

Kensington Palace today reiterated their original statement: “We were very clear from the outset that the Princess of Wales was out until after Easter and Kensington Palace would only be providing updates when something was significant.”

They also added that she is “doing well.”

Will this calm the current internet craze? It’s unclear. The whole furore was sparked after Prince William unexpectedly pulled out from a memorial service for his godfather, King Constantine of Greece for what was described as a “personal matter.” What the personal matter was, exactly, remained unclear—causing gossip to run rampant on social media, which in turn inspired an avalanche of outrageous commentary and memes. It seems that the waters might only be calmed after March 31, when the Princess is presumed to return to her royal role.

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Kensington Palace shares update on Kate Middleton as rumors swirl about her health

Kate has not been seen publicly since undergoing surgery in mid-January.

Kate, the Princess of Wales, is "doing well" as she continues to recover from abdominal surgery , according to a Kensington Palace spokesperson.

The spokesperson brushed off recent social media speculation about Kate's health , telling ABC News in a statement Thursday, "Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the Princess' recovery and we'd only be providing significant updates. That guidance stands."

Previously, the last major update the palace had provided on Kate came on Jan. 29, when Kate returned home to Windsor following a nearly two-week hospital stay after undergoing what the palace described as a "planned abdominal surgery" in mid-January.

The lack of updates about Kate's health, combined with her absence from the public eye, as well as her husband Prince William recently missing a royal engagement due to a "personal matter," have led to rampant speculation online about Kate's well-being.

PHOTO: Catherine, Princess of Wales attends The "Together At Christmas" Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 08, 2023 in London, England.

Here is the latest on Kate's health and what is publicly known.

Kate's last public appearance was on Christmas Day

Kate, 42, made her last public appearance on Christmas Day , when she attended church with members of the royal family.

Kate was seen smiling and greeting fans as she walked to the royal family's traditional Christmas morning service at Sandringham alongside William and their three children, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte .

PHOTO: The British Royal family attend the Christmas morning service.

The Waleses were joined by other members of the royal family as well, including King Charles III and his wife Queen Camilla .

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Prince William misses royal event citing 'personal matter'

Kate underwent abdominal surgery in january.

Less than one month after Christmas, on Jan. 17, Kensington Palace announced that Kate had been admitted the previous day to The London Clinic for "planned abdominal surgery."

The palace did not provide further details on the type of surgery Kate underwent, but confirmed to ABC News at the time that the princess's medical issue was non-cancerous.

MORE: King Charles III seen in new photos after cancer diagnosis

"The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate," the palace said in a statement issued on Jan. 17. "She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private."

"The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements," the statement continued. "She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible."

William, the heir to the throne, postponed his public engagements while Kate was hospitalized.

He was spotted privately entering and exiting The London Clinic to visit Kate during her stay. The couple's three children are not believed to have visited Kate in the hospital.

Kate is now recovering at home

The palace announced on Jan. 29 , nearly two weeks after Kate underwent surgery, that the princess had been discharged from the hospital.

From there, Kate continued her recovery at the family's home in Windsor , about 30 miles outside of London.

"The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress," a palace spokesperson said in a statement at the time. "The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided."

The spokesperson added, "The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world."

Since being home from the hospital, Kate has also spent time with her family at Anmer Hall, their home in Norfolk.

William has issued one public statement on Kate's health

After taking time off while Kate was hospitalized, William returned to his public duties on Feb. 7 , stepping in for his father to lead an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Later that day, William joined actor Tom Cruise at a central London hotel for a charity fundraising gala for London's Air Ambulance.

At the gala, William made his first and so far only public remarks about Kate.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you, also, for the kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father, especially, in recent days," William said. "It means a great deal to us all."

Following up with a joke, William continued, "It's fair to say the past few weeks have had a rather 'medical' focus. So I thought I'd come to an air ambulance function to get away from it all."

William has since attended the BAFTAS on his own, an event at which Kate is traditionally by his side.

On Tuesday, William sparked speculation after he missed a service of Thanksgiving for his godfather, King Constantine of Greece, at St. George's Chapel, citing a "personal matter."

PHOTO: Rabbi Daniel Epstein shows Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales a 17th century Torah scroll as he visits the Western Marble Arch Synagogue on February 29, 2024 in London, England.

William returned to his public duties on Thursday, visiting the Western Marble Arch Synagogue in London.

Kate has been completely out of the public eye while recovering, in contrast to Charles

William's father Charles was briefly hospitalized at The London Clinic at the same time as Kate in January.

Charles stayed multiple nights at The London Clinic for a planned procedure to treat an enlarged prostate.

MORE: Princess Kate 'doing well' amid hospitalization following abdominal surgery: Palace source

Shortly after he was discharged from the hospital, Buckingham Palace announced the 75-year-old king had been diagnosed with cancer .

The palace has not specified Charles's type of cancer, the stage of cancer or the type of treatment he is receiving.

PHOTO: King Charles III and Queen Camilla host diplomatic reception at Buckingham Palace.

In contrast to Kate's absence, however, Charles has been seen publicly since his diagnosis, including attending church with Camilla in Sandringham and traveling back and forth to London for treatment.

Last week, the palace released photographs of Charles reading some of the cards and letters frpm well-wishes the palace says the king has received.

Kate's first public appearance could be on or around Easter Sunday

At the time of her surgery, the palace said Kate is not likely to resume her public duties until later this spring.

In past years, William and Kate and their children have been photographed walking to church on Easter Sunday .

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Kensington Palace Breaks Silence Over Speculation and Rumors About Princess Kate's Absence

The Princess of Wales isn't expected to return to royal duties until after March 31

preview for Etiquette Lessons We've Learned From the Royals

Princess Kate, who last made a public appearance on Christmas, was hospitalized at the London Clinic in mid-January for a “ planned abdominal surgery .” The palace refrained from specifying the reason for the operation, but did confirm that her engagements had been postponed and that she would not return to work until after Easter, which falls on March 31 this year. The palace added that Kate “hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private. Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’s progress when there is significant new information to share.”

In the statement shared to Harper's Bazaar today, the palace reiterated their original message: “We were very clear from the outset that the Princess of Wales was out until after Easter and Kensington Palace would only be providing updates when something was significant.”

london, united kingdom november 15 embargoed for publication in uk newspapers until 24 hours after create date and time catherine, princess of wales arrives at the shaping us national symposium at the design museum on november 15, 2023 in london, england the symposium event, hosted by the princess of wales and the royal foundation centre for early childhood, brings together leaders and specialists to consider key foundational skills for early childhood which can result in healthy adult lives photo by max mumbyindigogetty images

Since her surgery, the palace has released very few statements regarding Kate's progress. On January 29, they confirmed that she was discharged from the London Clinic and had returned home to Windsor. “The prince and princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at the London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided,” the statement read. “The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world.”

A more recent update arrived on February 27, when a source close to the family told Bazaar that Kate’s recovery was still going well.

The princess's absence has sparked an uproar online, with users across X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) and TikTok developing conspiracies to explain her uncharacteristic absence from public life. These unsubstantiated claims have ranged from jokes about her working at the controversial Willy Wonka pop-up in Glasgow to theories that she is in a coma.

Headshot of Chelsey Sanchez

As an associate editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com, Chelsey keeps a finger on the pulse on all things celeb news. She also writes on social movements, connecting with activists leading the fight on workers' rights, climate justice, and more. Offline, she’s probably spending too much time on TikTok, rewatching Emma (the 2020 version, of course), or buying yet another corset. 

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Princess Kate Doing Well After Abdominal Surgery

london, england february 21 in this photo released on february 23, king charles iii reads cards and messages, sent by well wishers following his cancer diagnosis, in the 18th century room of the belgian suite at buckingham palace on february 21, 2024 in london, england following the announcement of the kings cancer diagnosis, the correspondence team at buckingham palace have received more than 7,000 letters and cards form across the world the king has been sent a selection in his daily red box of paperwork photo by jonathan brady poolgetty images

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The Palace Responds Again After Rumors Swirl Amid Concern Over the Princess of Wales

Prince William’s decision to bow out of a planned appearance this week, citing an undisclosed personal matter, fueled feverish speculation about his wife’s health online.

The side view of Catherine with a hat on surrounded by the backs of people.

By Steven Kurutz

The continued speculation over the health of Catherine, Princess of Wales — which was flamed on social media this week after Prince William canceled a planned appearance at the memorial service for his godfather, King Constantine of the Hellenes — caused Kensington Palace, once again, to break its silence on the matter.

In a statement, a spokesperson told ABC News on Thursday, “Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the Princess’s recovery and we’d only be providing significant updates. That guidance stands.”

The spokesperson reiterated the princess is “doing well.”

On Christmas Day, Catherine attended service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, England, wearing head-to-toe royal blue. She walked to church with her husband, Prince William, and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, much like she had in years past.

Greeting the gathered crowds and the cameras, “ She looked lovely for the occasion ,” said Town & Country.

The princess has not been seen in public since.

Three weeks later, on Jan. 17, Kensington Palace announced that Catherine, 42, formerly known as Kate Middleton, had been admitted to the London Clinic to undergo “a planned abdominal surgery .”

The surprise news about Catherine’s health was magnified by the fact that, just an hour later, the palace announced that King Charles III, 75, would receive treatment for an enlarged prostate the next week. Two of the most senior members of Britain’s royal family were now facing health trials.

As news started to return to normal — on Wednesday King Charles was photographed being driven from his home, Clarence House, and he has resumed some official business, including meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak — rumors began to surface again about the Princess of Wales. Although Prince William, 41, also scaled back his royal duties during his wife’s recuperation, this week, he bowed out of a planned appearance at a memorial service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor for his godfather, King Constantine , who died in January 2023.

That led a palace source to address the latest twist in the saga, and perhaps try to stop the rumors, in language that did anything but. The princess, the source told People, “ continues to be doing well .”

William’s absence at the memorial, and the reason given by the palace — an undisclosed personal matter — only fueled continued speculation around Catherine’s health. Little is known about her medical procedure, leading to plenty of conjecture, concern and conspiracy theories.

What kind of surgery did Kate Middleton have?

That remains a mystery to the public. Abdominal surgery could be anything from an appendectomy to a gastrointestinal procedure. On Jan. 17, Kensington Palace said the surgery was successful. It did not offer details on Catherine’s diagnosis or prognosis, other than that her condition was “not cancerous.”

The palace added: “The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.”

The palace issued another statement at the end of the month, telling the public that Catherine had been discharged from the London Clinic.

Where is Kate Middleton?

At home, according to a statement. The palace said the princess would recuperate at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park after she left the hospital.

Her office added that she was “unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.”

How is Kate’s family faring?

Prince William visited his wife shortly after her surgery and was photographed leaving the hospital . But according to People magazine, Catherine’s three children did not see their mother at the hospital. That follows the London Clinic’s visitor guidelines , which state that “we do not permit any children or babies to visit.” (Special requests must be approved by hospital staff.) Instead, the princess is said to have connected with her children over FaceTime.

The palace has called various conspiracy theories “total nonsense.”

The lack of information around Catherine has given rise to wild speculation about her health. A Spanish journalist named Concha Calleja claimed that she spoke with a source within the Royal Family. The source supposedly told Ms. Calleja that Catherine faced serious complications after surgery, requiring “drastic” actions to save her life.

“The decision was to put her in an induced coma,” Ms. Calleja told the Spanish news show Fiesta. “They had to intubate her.”

In its initial statement, Kensington Palace said it would provide updates on the princess only when there was “significant new information to share.” But the palace was moved to address Ms. Calleja’s claims, calling them “total nonsense” and “ ludicrous .”

Steven Kurutz covers cultural trends, social media and the world of design for The Times. More about Steven Kurutz

Kate Middleton hasn't been seen in public since last year. Now, social-media users are suspicious.

  • Kate Middleton hasn't been seen in public since Christmas.
  • Kensington Palace announced she underwent a planned abdominal surgery in January.
  • The palace says she'll be recovering until after Easter, but social-media users are suspicious.

Insider Today

Kate Middleton has been absent from the public eye for months now.

The Princess of Wales underwent a " planned abdominal surgery " in January and is still recovering, as Kensington Palace previously announced.

But as her absence continues, royal watchers have taken to social media to question her whereabouts and condition online. The palace, however, said she was doing well as recently as Thursday.

Here's everything we know so far.

Kate Middleton made her most recent public appearance on Christmas Day.

how much to visit kensington palace

Kate joined the royal family for their annual walk from Sandringham in Norfolk, England, to attend a church service on Christmas Day.

The Princess of Wales walked with her children and husband to the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in one of her signature coatdresses, much like she did in years past.

On January 17, Kensington Palace announced Kate was in the hospital for "a planned abdominal surgery."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)

Kensington Palace said in its statement that Kate would remain in the hospital, The London Clinic, for up to two weeks following the procedure.

"Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to hospital yesterday for planned abdominal surgery," the statement read. "The surgery was successful, and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter."

Kensington Palace provided no additional information about what procedure Kate underwent, though the palace told the Associated Press the princess didn't have cancer.

The statement also said Kate hoped "her personal medical information remains private" to help provide her children with "normality."

"Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness' progress when there is significant new information to share," the statement went on to say.

Prince William was photographed visiting Kate at the hospital the following day.

Kensington Palace said on January 29 that Kate had returned to Windsor Castle.

how much to visit kensington palace

"The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery," the statement shared on Instagram said. "She is making good progress."

William and Kate went on to thank the staff at The London Clinic in the statement, as well as those who sent them well wishes.

The same day, Buckingham Palace announced King Charles was returning home after having a procedure for a benign prostate enlargement .

Buckingham Palace announced on February 5 that King Charles has cancer.

how much to visit kensington palace

Buckingham Palace said in a statement that "a separate issue of concern was noted" during the king's prostate procedure, and additional testing disclosed he has cancer . The palace didn't disclose what form of cancer he was diagnosed with, though they said it wasn't prostate cancer.

The statement also said that the king "commenced a schedule of regular treatments" and that although he would still be working from home, he would "postpone public-facing duties" per medical advice.

The palace didn't specify how long the king would forgo public-facing work .

"His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer," the statement also said.

Prince William returned to public duty on February 7.

how much to visit kensington palace

William paused his royal engagements amid Kate's surgery and recovery, returning to work on February 7 for an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle .

The same day, he attended a gala raising money for the London Air Ambulance, and he thanked the public for their messages of support for Kate, Town & Country reported.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you, also, for the kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father, especially in recent days," he said, adding that "it means a great deal to us all."

He has attended a handful of public events since. The public was predicted to look to William in Charles and Kate's absences, as he represents the monarchy's future as heir to the throne.

"It's an opportunity for him to communicate on behalf of the royal family," Eric Schiffer, the chairman of Reputation Management Consultants, said.

In addition, the public generally responds to younger royals more favorably. Without Kate, as well as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, William's youth could be a boon for the monarchy, as Kristen Meizner, a royal watcher, told BI.

"They are most focused on the royals when they are of courtship age, getting married, having babies, that kind of thing," she said. "They're not necessarily considered as dazzling or as exciting to the public when they're 60 or 70 or whatnot."

Kate was reported on February 9 to have traveled to Norfolk to continue her recovery.

how much to visit kensington palace

On February 9, the Daily Mail reported that Kate had joined her family at their home in Sandringham, Anmer Hall, for her children's half-term holiday.

The outlet also reported that her recovery was going well at the time.

Kate wasn't photographed during her trip from Windsor to Sandringham.

King Charles was photographed a few times throughout February, while Kate remained unseen.

how much to visit kensington palace

Although he isn't taking on public-facing duties, King Charles has still been photographed a few times since his cancer diagnosis and the beginning of his treatment.

On February 11, he and Queen Camilla were spotted going to church in Sandringham, and he was photographed meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on February 21 at Buckingham Palace.

Kate, on the other hand, remained absent, as Kensington Palace released no photos or videos of her.

William released a rare solo statement on February 20.

A statement from The Prince of Wales pic.twitter.com/LV2jMx75DC — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) February 20, 2024

Typically, William and Kate have released statements as a pair since they got married.

But on February 20, Kensington Palace released a statement on only William's behalf regarding the conflict in Gaza, in which he said he remained "deeply concerned about the human cost of the conflict in the Middle East since the Hamas terrorist attack on 7 October."

"I, like so many others, want to see an end to the fighting as soon as possible," the statement said. "There is a desperate need for increased humanitarian support to Gaza."

William also said he continued "to cling to the hope that a brighter future can be found, and I refuse to give up on that."

In addition to speaking for only William, the statement had a "W" seal at the top rather than the crown featured on messages from the Prince and Princess of Wales as a unit.

William missed a service of thanksgiving on Tuesday because of an unnamed personal matter.

how much to visit kensington palace

On Tuesday, members of the royal family attended a service of thanksgiving for King Constantine of Greece, King Charles' second cousin and close companion. He was one of William's godfathers.

William was set to attend the event alongside Queen Camilla and other family members but missed the service because of a personal matter, Kensington Palace told Business Insider.

A palace representative also told BI that Kate was doing well, but they didn't elaborate on what caused William to miss the event.

Following his absence, chatter about Kate's prolonged absence from the public eye erupted on social media, with users speculating about why she hasn't been seen in months. The princess was trending on X, and thousands of people posted about her on TikTok. "Kate Middleton" was also sixth on Google's list of trending search terms on Tuesday, highlighting how high public interest got in her absence.

Kensington Palace reiterated that Kate was "doing well" as William returned to public duty on Thursday.

how much to visit kensington palace

On Thursday, Prince William resumed public duty, visiting the Western Marble Arch Synagogue to learn about the Holocaust Educational Trust, as Kensington Palace shared on Instagram .

He sat down with a Holocaust survivor, Renee Salt. Rebecca English , a royal editor for the Daily Mail, reported on X that during the conversation, he spoke on behalf of himself and Kate.

"Both Catherine and I are extremely concerned about the rise in antisemitism," English quoted the prince as saying to Salt. "That's why I'm here today to reassure you all that people do care and people do listen, and we can't let that go."

Kensington Palace also reiterated that Kate was "doing well" in a statement sent to BI on Thursday.

"We gave guidance two days ago that The Princess of Wales continues to be doing well," the statement said. "As we have been clear since our initial statement in January, we shall not be providing a running commentary or providing daily updates."

As of Thursday, Kensington Palace hadn't released any new photos or videos of the princess.

how much to visit kensington palace

  • Main content

Kensington Palace shares update on Kate Middleton as rumors swirl about her health

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LONDON -- Kate, the Princess of Wales, is "doing well" as she continues to recover from abdominal surgery , according to a Kensington Palace spokesperson.

The spokesperson brushed off recent social media speculation about Kate's health, telling ABC News in a statement Thursday, "Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the Princess' recovery and we'd only be providing significant updates. That guidance stands."

Previously, the last major update the palace had provided on Kate came on Jan. 29, when Kate returned home to Windsor following a nearly two-week hospital stay after undergoing what the palace described as a "planned abdominal surgery" in mid-January.

The lack of updates about Kate's health, combined with her absence from the public eye, as well as her husband Prince William recently missing a royal engagement due to a "personal matter," have led to rampant speculation online about Kate's well-being.

Here is the latest on Kate's health and what is publicly known.

Kate's last public appearance was on Christmas Day

Kate, 42, made her last public appearance on Christmas Day , when she attended church with members of the royal family.

Kate was seen smiling and greeting fans as she walked to the royal family's traditional Christmas morning service at Sandringham alongside William and their three children, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte.

The Waleses were joined by other members of the royal family as well, including King Charles III and his wife Queen Camilla.

SEE ALSO: King Charles III's cancer was 'caught early,' British PM says; Prince Harry arrives in London

Kate underwent abdominal surgery in January

Less than one month after Christmas, on Jan. 17, Kensington Palace announced that Kate had been admitted the previous day to The London Clinic for "planned abdominal surgery."

The palace did not provide further details on the type of surgery Kate underwent, but confirmed to ABC News at the time that the princess's medical issue was non-cancerous.

"The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate," the palace said in a statement issued on Jan. 17. "She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private."

"The Princess of Wales wishes to apologize to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements," the statement continued. "She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible."

William, the heir to the throne, postponed his public engagements while Kate was hospitalized.

He was spotted privately entering and exiting The London Clinic to visit Kate during her stay. The couple's three children are not believed to have visited Kate in the hospital.

Kate is now recovering at home

The palace announced on Jan. 29, nearly two weeks after Kate underwent surgery, that the princess had been discharged from the hospital.

From there, Kate continued her recovery at the family's home in Windsor, about 30 miles outside of London.

"The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress," a palace spokesperson said in a statement at the time. "The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided."

The spokesperson added, "The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world."

Since being home from the hospital, Kate has also spent time with her family at Anmer Hall, their home in Norfolk.

William has issued one public statement on Kate's health

After taking time off while Kate was hospitalized, William returned to his public duties on Feb. 7, stepping in for his father to lead an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Later that day, William joined actor Tom Cruise at a central London hotel for a charity fundraising gala for London's Air Ambulance.

At the gala, William made his first and so far only public remarks about Kate.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you, also, for the kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father, especially, in recent days," William said. "It means a great deal to us all."

Following up with a joke, William continued, "It's fair to say the past few weeks have had a rather 'medical' focus. So I thought I'd come to an air ambulance function to get away from it all."

William has since attended the BAFTAS on his own, an event at which Kate is traditionally by his side.

On Tuesday, William sparked speculation after he missed a service of Thanksgiving for his godfather, King Constantine of Greece, at St. George's Chapel, citing a "personal matter."

William returned to his public duties on Thursday, visiting the Western Marble Arch Synagogue in London.

Kate has been completely out of the public eye while recovering, in contrast to Charles

William's father Charles was briefly hospitalized at The London Clinic at the same time as Kate in January.

Charles stayed multiple nights at The London Clinic for a planned procedure to treat an enlarged prostate.

Shortly after he was discharged from the hospital, Buckingham Palace announced the 75-year-old king had been diagnosed with cancer.

The palace has not specified Charles's type of cancer, the stage of cancer or the type of treatment he is receiving.

In contrast to Kate's absence, however, Charles has been seen publicly since his diagnosis, including attending church with Camilla in Sandringham and traveling back and forth to London for treatment.

Last week, the palace released photographs of Charles reading some of the cards and letters from well-wishes the palace says the king has received.

Kate's first public appearance could be on or around Easter Sunday

At the time of her surgery, the palace said Kate is not likely to resume her public duties until later this spring.

In past years, William and Kate and their children have been photographed walking to church on Easter Sunday.

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Palace Addresses Rumors and Conspiracy Theories About Kate Middleton's Health in New Statement

Kensington Palace said they were "very clear from the outset" about the Princess of Wales' recovery timeline

Stephanie Petit is a Royals Editor, Writer and Reporter at PEOPLE.

how much to visit kensington palace

The palace is making a rare statement about Kate Middleton 's recovery from abdominal surgery after the Princess of Wales became the subject of online speculation in recent days.

A spokesperson for Princess Kate said, "We were very clear from the outset that the Princess of Wales was out until after Easter and Kensington Palace would only be providing updates when something was significant."

The spokesperson reiterated the princess, 42, is "doing well."

Following Prince William 's  unexpected withdrawal  from a memorial service honoring his late godfather on Tuesday, concerns regarding Princess Kate's welfare surged across the internet, fueling a wave of  conspiracy theories — despite a palace source sharing on Tuesday that Kate "continues to be doing well"  in her recovery.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

In the initial statement about her surgery released on Jan. 17, one day after the operation, Kensington Palace said it was Princess Kate's "wish that her personal medical information remains private."

The palace added that they would "only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share."

They also shared the expected timeline for her recovery, including a 10 to 14-day stay in the hospital post-surgery (she ended up leaving on Jan. 29 , 13 days after the procedure) and a continued period of recovery at home with no return to public duties until after Easter.

Stephen Pond/Getty

“It is sensible to take the time,” a source close to the royal household  told PEOPLE . “That is a great example to the rest of us, as you’re often told to get back to work as soon as possible, which can be damaging. It is good for all of us to see her taking the time, recovering properly and then coming back. We can all learn from that."

While Princess Kate has spent most of her recovery at their home in Windsor, she traveled to Anmer Hall , her and Prince William's home on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, with their three children while they were on a school break in February.

"Catherine is recovering well," a source told  the Daily Mail at the time. "She was looking forward to a change of scene and will be able to take it easy in Norfolk while the children let off steam with William."

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Prince William returned to royal duties this month after taking time off to help his wife and keep things normal for their children, Prince George ,  Princess Charlotte  and  Prince Louis . He has given updates on Princess Kate's recovery, including that she was being cared for by two "amazing and kind" nurses .

Kate's absence from public view is in stark contrast to  King Charles , who has faced his own health battles in recent weeks. The monarch, 75, underwent a procedure to treat an enlarged prostate in January and  revealed his cancer diagnosis  on Feb. 5 (his cancer is understood to not be prostate cancer, however). While he has not made public outings, he has been seen  going to church  with Queen Camilla, sharing statements as he works behind the scenes and even  appearing in a video  where he read letters from well-wishers.

Meanwhile,  Princess Kate chose discretion .

"The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private," the palace's initial statement on her surgery said. "Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share."

Jonathan Brady / POOL / AFP

Princess Kate's surgery comes after a busy December for the royal.

On Dec. 5, she pulled  double duty  with a morning hospital visit and evening reception at Buckingham Palace . Kate hosted her third annual Christmas concert at Westminster Abbey on Dec. 8, which highlighted her “Shaping Us” early childhood campaign in its first year. 

Her final appearance before the surgery came on Christmas when she joined members of the royal family for their annual church outing.

Country Living

Kensington Palace Responds to Rumors About Kate Middleton

T he speculation around Kate Middleton's health reached a fever pitch this week on social media, after Prince William missed King Constantine's memorial service due to an unspecified "personal matter."

But for those hoping for updates regarding the Princess from Kensington Palace, no further news is likely coming any time soon. A spokesperson for the Princess of Wales tells Town & Country , "Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the Princess' recovery and we'd only be providing significant updates. That guidance stands." He reiterated that Kate is "doing well."

In January, when announcing Kate's planned abdominal surgery, Kensington Palace said in a statement : "She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private. Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share."

The only other "significant" update the Palace shared was in late January, when Kate was discharged from the hospital, and was said to be recuperating at home at Adelaide Cottage . "The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress," Kensington Palace said in a statement at the time. "The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided. The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world."

Today, Prince William visited a synagogue , where he did not provide any updates on his wife's health, but did receive a bouquet of flowers to give her.

The Princess of Wales has not been seen in public since Christmas.

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  2. A Guide To Visiting Kensington Palace, London

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  5. A Tourist’s Guide To Visiting Kensington Palace

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COMMENTS

  1. Tickets and prices

    Victoria: A Royal Childhood. The King's State Apartments. The Queen's State Apartments. Historic Royal Palaces members - please login to pre-book your tickets. Ticket prices. No donation. With donation. Members. entry to all 6 palaces from £55 per year.

  2. Kensington Palace

    Kensington Palace is a joy to visit. However, our experiences have been that to avoid the large crowds, it is better to visit on a weekday rather than on the weekend. Read more. Written February 9, 2020. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of ...

  3. Your Ultimate Guide + Tips For Visiting Kensington Palace in 2024 (from

    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 ...

  4. The Ultimate Guide to visiting Kensington Palace

    Open: Everyday: 10:00AM to 6:00PM. Time Needed: 4 hours. Price: £18. 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.

  5. Visiting Kensington Palace

    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.

  6. Visiting Kensington Palace: All you need to know

    Kensington Palace offers a great half-day visit for your London itinerary. You can tour the historic palace, check out specially curated changing exhibits, wander about tranquil Kensington Gardens, and enjoy a delightful teatime in style. London, England, Europe. Best Free Views of the London Skyline.

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    Kensington Palace ticket prices. 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.

  8. Inside Kensington Palace, The Complete Guide

    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.

  9. Kensington Palace

    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

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

    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.

  11. KENSINGTON PALACE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go ...

    According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Kensington Palace: The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea (From £110.64) Treasures of London: The Royal Family Private Tour (From £98.19) Enter Kensington Palace & The London 30+ Sights Tour (From £76.13) The London Pass®: Unlimited access to 90+ top ...

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    Explore the birthplace of Queen Victoria. Venture beyond the royal doors of Kensington Palace to immerse yourself in more than three centuries of history with specially curated exhibitions and displays.. What is there to see at Kensington Palace? Wander through the re-imagined childhood rooms of Queen Victoria, admire the lavishly decorated King's State Apartments and marvel at the ...

  13. FAQs

    A new exhibition at Kensington Palace, uncovering the forgotten stories of those who worked at the royal palaces over 300 years ago. 14 March to 27 October 2024. In line with palace opening hours. Kensington Palace. Included in palace admission (members go free) Learn more. Tours and talks.

  14. 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.

  15. Visit Kensington Palace: What to know in 2024

    Updated: February 21, 2024. 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.

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    Enjoy a 15-minute talk with a member of our guide team about the history of Kensington Palace. Available Wednesday - Sunday. 15 minutes. Kensington Palace. Included in palace admission (members go free) Plan your upcoming visit to Kensington Palace. Buy tickets, find travel information, see our tours, download a map and find out about our ...

  17. Tours & Tickets 2024

    Visiting Kensington Palace in 2024. A Kensington Palace admission ticket provides access to all public areas of the palace and gardens. By booking your ticket and arrival slot online in advance, you can help ensure your visit goes to plan. Opening Times. Note: Kensington Palace is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and between 24th - 26th December.

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    Kensington Palace, London: "Hello! How long does a visit to the Palace..." | Check out answers, plus see 5,768 reviews, articles, and 5,250 photos of Kensington Palace, ranked No.408 on Tripadvisor among 10,119 attractions in London.

  19. How long do you need for the tour!

    1. Vote. I would say about an hour. The cafe is good for a snack and the gardens are worth a look too. But the actual exhibition is quite small but many of the iconic garment on display. Very informative staff and so it depends on you how much detail you want or just a simple browse. over a year ago. Reviewed this attraction.

  20. Visit Kensington Palace Gardens

    Visiting Kensington Palace in 2024. A Kensington Palace admission ticket provides access to all public areas of the palace and gardens. By booking your ticket and arrival slot online in advance, you can help ensure your visit goes to plan. Opening Times. Note: Kensington Palace is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and between 24th - 26th December.

  21. Kensington Palace Addresses Those Wild Kate Middleton ...

    Kensington Palace is officially commenting on the Kate Middleton rumor mill. In January, the royal family announced that the Princess of Wales would be taking a break from public life until Easter ...

  22. Kensington Palace shares update on Kate Middleton as rumors swirl about

    Previously, the last major update the palace had provided on Kate came on Jan. 29, when Kate returned home to Windsor following a nearly two-week hospital stay after undergoing what the palace ...

  23. Getting here

    Shop Kensington Palace Gifts. These official gifts and souvenirs are all inspired by Kensington Palace's rich royal stories, past and present. From £4.00. Discover useful information for planning your journey to Kensington Palace, London, by tube, bus, car or walking routes.

  24. Kensington Palace Breaks Silence Over Kate Middleton's Absence

    Since her surgery, the palace has released very few statements regarding Kate's progress. On January 29, they confirmed that she was discharged from the London Clinic and had returned home to Windsor.

  25. The Palace Responds Again After Rumors Swirl Amid Concern Over the

    Three weeks later, on Jan. 17, Kensington Palace announced that Catherine, 42, formerly known as Kate Middleton, had been admitted to the London Clinic to undergo "a planned abdominal surgery."

  26. Kate Middleton: What We Know About the Royal's Absence From the Public Eye

    Kensington Palace also reiterated that Kate was "doing well" in a statement sent to BI on Thursday. "We gave guidance two days ago that The Princess of Wales continues to be doing well," the ...

  27. Everything the Palace Said About Kate Middleton's Health, So Far

    Composite image showing the Princess of Wales as photographed in London, March 13, 2023 and Kensington Palace, 1996. The palace has provided brief updates on Kate's health since her abdominal ...

  28. Where is Kate Middleton? Kensington Palace shares update on the

    Less than one month after Christmas, on Jan. 17, Kensington Palace announced that Kate had been admitted the previous day to The London Clinic for "planned abdominal surgery."

  29. Palace Responds to Kate Middleton Conspiracy Theories Online

    "Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness' progress when there is significant new information to share." Kate Middleton attends Buckingham Palace reception ...

  30. Kensington Palace Responds to Rumors About Kate Middleton

    In January, when announcing Kate's planned abdominal surgery, Kensington Palace said in a statement: "She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her ...