What's Inside Kensington Palace? Here is Everything You Want to Know

The King's State Apartments is the grandest one among all apartments. It contains grandiose staterooms, the Presence Chamber, the Cupola Room, the King’s Drawing Room, and the King’s Gallery. Most of these staterooms don’t have the typical furniture you would expect but are filled with works of art instead. The first attraction that you encounter is the King’s Staircase, a staircase is known for the paintings that depict the life and court of George I.

The largest stateroom in the King’s State Apartments is the Gallery, which was transformed by King George I in 1725. It has since been enhanced by artist William Kent, who painted the 7 huge ceiling canvases with scenes from the life of Ulysses. Although the room currently showcases the best paintings from the Royal Collection, it has been host to many intimate royal moments. During the early days, William III used this room to meet spies and plan military campaigns.

The King's Staircase, initially designed by Sir Christopher Wren and rebuilt in marble after a fire in 1691, features intricate paintings by William Kent from 1725 to 1727. These depict King George I's court, including notable figures like Ulric, a Polish page, and Turkish servants Mahomet and Mustapha. Adorned with trompe l'oeil techniques, the staircase showcases Kent's artistry and offers a glimpse into the vibrant 18th-century royal court.

The second of the Kensington Palace Apartments was built for Queen Mary when she and her husband moved into the royal residence. The Queen along with the royal consorts enjoyed their days in the Queen’s State Apartments, which features a Queen’s Staircase, Gallery, Closet, Dining Room and Drawing Room. While the Queen’s State Apartments is not as grand as the King’s, it still provides an intriguing view into the life of a royal.

The Jewel Room features exquisite jewelry commissioned by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria. Highlights include a diamond and emerald tiara, necklace, earrings, and brooch, which perfectly showcase the 19th-century goldsmiths' craftsmanship and Prince Albert's unique design contributions. The room provides historical context on royal fashion and offers interactive elements like a fashion quiz.

The Kensington Palace apartments, once home to Princess Victoria, honor her legacy as a renowned British monarch. Created for her 200th birth anniversary in 2019, this exhibition showcases artifacts from her youth, including her dollhouse and a scrapbook by German governess Baroness Lehzen. It features letters from the Duke of Kent on Victoria's birth and meticulously recreated childhood rooms, offering intriguing insights into her early life and royal upbringing.

Don't miss out on the "Untold Lives" at Kensington Palace, an exhibition revealing the stories of overlooked palace staff from 1660 to 1830. There are thematic rooms like "Care and Intimacy" and "Skills and Expertise" that showcase diverse narratives, from a Female Keeper of Ice to multicultural figures like Mehmet von Königstreu. Featuring artifacts like Queen Charlotte's dress and contemporary artworks, the exhibition aims to honor their legacy within the British monarchy's history.