Kensington Palace

Palace in London, part of the royal household. Formerly Nottingham House, the home of Heneage Finch (1621–82), 1st Earl of Nottingham, it was purchased in 1689 by William III. The latter had it remodelled by Christopher Wren, whose work survives mainly in the south front and northeast wing. Under George I there was further reconstruction by William Benson (1682–1754) and William Kent (northeast and southeast wings). George II was the last sovereign to use the palace.

Features Among the more remarkable features of the state apartments (open to the public) are the Cupola Room by Benson (ceiling by Kent, marble relief over fireplace by Jan Michiel Rysbrack); the Presence Chamber, with ceiling by Kent and overmantel by Grinling Gibbons; the Orangery by John Vanbrugh or Wren (1704); and the King's Staircase. The building is largely of red brick. The gardens were laid out around 1725 in the French Grand Manner, but little remains of this.

Royal inhabitants Mary II, William III, Queen Anne, and George II all died here. Queen Victoria and Queen Mary (consort of George V) were born, and the former received the news of her accession, at Kensington Palace. Diana, Princess of Wales, lived at Kensington Palace and had her offices here following her separation from Prince Charles. After her death in 1997 her coffin was brought to her apartment at Kensington Palace from St James's Chapel the evening before her funeral, and remained there overnight.